Amarendra stood with a ear to ear smile.

While Devasena stared at him with a

frown, a disgust. She came forward, stood face to face and eye to eye and uttered
distinctly,” Are you a man even? "

Amarendra's smile didn't lessen a penny. Instead it broadened.

" I have the same question in mind. Are you a woman? "

Devasena glared. Her breathing fastened.

" What exactly do you mean? "

" Look at them. If every woman of Bhopal could knock down eve-teasers this way,
India would soon grow unsafe for men." Amarendra chuckled.

" But since, not a single man in real terms comes to a woman's rescue, India tops
the chart of being the most unsafe for women. "

Devasena decided to no longer waste her time. She turned to go.

" I don't think a woman like you ever desired a man's help. "

Devasena turned again towards him.

" The truth is, people like you who look like men fill the universe."

She pointed at those lying on the ground flattened by her punches.

" They are better. At least they act like a man, in teasing a woman. "

A hatred appeared in her eyes. That made her oblivious to the fact that a goon
from the bunch had just regained consciousness, and was ready to attack from the
back.
" Watch out Devasena!"

Taken aback at how he knew her name, Devasena couldn't just judge what was
happening when in a split second a big punch and a kick flew past her after a
muscular hand almost threw her away from the field of action to his back.

A current flashed through Devasena with the touch. So devastating a current that
the world before her slowly grew blur. All she could see was the goon flying off
and the man standing a guard, the man whose touch made her feel as if she was
thunder struck!

Devasena fainted.

*******

Devasena regained consciousness in a majestic bedroom, on a velvet bed amongst

the softest pillows she ever felt. She slowly sat up. The room was empty.

And she immediately recollected how she fainted.

A fear gripped her immediately.

The man...where did he bring me?

Devasena felt no pain in her body at all. But she definitely remembered the
current that passed through her. She very well knew of static concepts of
electricity. But this was definitely something different.

Apart from that, she remembered how the goon flew almost ten feet above the
ground to almost a hundred kilometres away.

She herself was a black belt, but never in her life had she seen such a powerful
knock out!
Devasena slowly walked out of the immense bedroom. She knew this was more of a
palace than any ordinary dwelling. The long empty corridors with exquisite light
arrangements lining the walls voted for her thought.

Devasena slowly uttered as she walked along the corridor, " Hello! Anyone there? "

The corridor was lined by doors, all closed. The end of the corridor marked the
gateway to an extravagant hall. Empty.

Devasena felt an uneasiness. A discomfort she had undergone quite a number of

times in her life, and she had scientifically known it to be something called 'deja
vu.' A feeling of having been there, having done that.

The discomfort increased manifolds as she stepped into the hall. The hall looked
more like a courtroom, a huge one. She couldn't see the roof, that high it was.

Devasena gathered courage and shouted again, " Hello! Who's there? Who brought
me here? "

Although no one answered back, the carefully lit up hall marked the presence of
life in this very castle.

Devasena walked slowly down the hall. The walls were immeasurably tall. And had
paintings of descendants in line.

' Queens’, read an embossing at beginning of the series.

As she slowly walked on, letting the beauty of each woman sink in, her feet
suddenly would move no longer. Her body went numb, her mind went empty, her
eyes went blind...

A lady stared back at her from a massive oil painting, draped in blue, comfortably
seated on a royal chair, ornamented with the jewels Devasena had never seen in
life, with nature behind and swans surrounding her, but most importantly, having a
face she had known for long, a face she saw everyday ... in the mirrors.

An embossing below the painting read, 'Rajmataa Devasena' .

Devasena lost balance as if the ground below her shook. Her throat felt dry. She
grabbed something she herself didn't know and somehow balanced herself.

The next moment the hall reverberated with her command, " Whoever brought me
here, come out...!! Come face me instead of playing these bad games!! "

Immediately, in moments, a baritone responded back, " Our fate brought you here
Devasena. An incomplete story, brought you here...

Welcome home ... Maharaani Devasena! "

" Get me out of this place right now! “, the walls shook with Devasena's command.

Amarendra stood still, his smile intact. He slowly took a few steps forward, which
immediately drove Devasena a few steps backward.

" Don't, just don't come near me. How dare you bring me here? How dare you play
pranks on me this way? "

Amarendra stopped. Devasena too. She noticed that his smile slowly got replaced
by a curtain of despair and darkness. And his eyes... his eyes...portrayed
something illegible, yet immensely captivating.

Another feat of vertigo struck her. She almost fainted again, but a chair lay nearby
and she managed to sink on it.

Amarendra wouldn't move. Rather he kept watching her.

She felt nauseating, and a pain rose from the back.

Devasena was afraid suddenly. Terribly.

" Why...why do I feel so uneasy? I bet you made me drink something! Or injected
into me some drug! "

Devasena got up struggling, her feet swayed.

" I know you'll find yourself. “, Amarendra didn't really answer her, nor did he help
her anyway. He rather slowly left the room. And Devasena couldn't stop him
because she wasn't in a position to. She held her head and sat back. Worlds swirled
around her.

Devasena had been running down the corridors to rooms, locked or never opened,
screaming out loud, for the last half an hour.

The palace was an unending maze. After she was done with her phase of vertigo
and nausea, after she felt a bit better, she knew she was all alone again. She
walked in the direction she had entered the hall from, and found the door shut as
if... it had never opened for a hundred years now.

She cursed her direction senses, but to her surprise the only door that led her out
of the hall,' wasn't to the corridors that were illuminated. Rather a blinding
darkness welcomed her.

Devasena wasn't afraid of the dark. Most importantly she had to get out of the hall.
The massive oil painting almost swallowed her now and then, and the devastating
part was that, she herself being a painter knew extremely well at just a glance
that the picture was at least five hundred years old.

And therefore, though he cursed the man in question for playing pranks on her, she
had doubts of the best kind that he was not, at least the painting didn't vibe being
painted any recent...

" Where are you? "

Devasena judged her way through the darkness, because she typically remembered
the previous corridor.

A faint light illuminated the end. And the end seemed real far. Like real real far.
Devasena didn't know everyone exactly from her art college. But somehow
somewhere she felt she had definitely seen the man in question. Maybe the man
was a painter too, an expert who could make things appear real old. Maybe the
man followed her, and ...and... just is playing pranks to frighten her up. What is
he cooking? Last life stories? Long lost love stories? Meh!?

Devasena pursed her lips as she walked on...making the light at the end her guide.
She remembered though, the courtroom didn't house pictures of the Kings!

She wasn't particularly aware of any dynasty in Bhopal, her history was real weak.

Devasena had reached the light source. It was a half closed door, and as she
pushed it, it made such a screeching sound as if it hadn't been opened for
centuries.

The room was pretty large. A table stood against a wall, on which flickered a
lantern, the light that guided her.

Devasena slowly picked up the lantern. She was thankful because the corridors
could only lead her to some exit, but they were dismally dark, and the man who
wanted her to find herself was nowhere to be seen.

Just as she picked the lantern up, she knew the wall held another portrait. Her
throat felt dry. Shaking, she slowly moved the lantern upto the face of the person
painted.

She herself didn't know why a scream left her lung. The same man in question sat
on a 'singhasana', just that he had long hairs and a thick beard and was dressed like
a king. Apart from that... it was the same smile, the same eyes...

With the sudden jerk the lantern had fallen from her hands, and the room was
pitch dark again.

Crap! She expected only this! But why did this portrait hit her harder than the last
one? Why did she feel for a second, why did a vision strike her that she had really
seen the person dressed like a king, alive, awake, and moving, in this very attire?
Devasena almost ran out of the room, only to be utterly devastated to find, the
corridors carefully lit, just as she had seen earlier.

An eeriness ran down her spine for the first time.

Was the man who brought her here, REAL??

The chill numbed her for almost ten seconds, and then evoked a massive push.
Devasena started running in a different direction, along a different corridor, but
every corridor now seemed lit, guiding her steps as she ran for life, her eyes
bursting and her heart pounding in a breath-taking fear.

Since then she had been running around a honeycomb maze, down corridors lit and
dark, doors that never opened, shouting and screaming on top of her lungs... until,
her tired mind and body, fell on the ground with a thud.

***

When Devasena regained consciousness, she found herself lying on an empty road.
She got up, estranged as to how she had found her way out of the palace...

Or did the man in question put her on the road and leave?

Devasena couldn't think of anything. She didn't even know where she was, just
when an auto rickshaw happened to be approaching her. She showed hands.

" Bhaiyaa... what is this place? "

The driver stared strangely ...so did the passengers.

" Laalmaati road."

Extremely relieved, she got up. Because she knew her way home from here.
Throughout the short journey, Devasena just couldn't find any possible explanation
to whatever happened with her. She only knew she had left college at 7:30, faced
the goons at around the same time, and then... was like in a trance of being at a
palace for almost two hours.

9:20. Her watch showed.

She didn't know if she had to be dumbfounded, or frightened, or just forget the
palace, and the man...

But...

Just as she got down and was about to pay for the ride, a chit fell from the purse.

Devasena picked it up.

" I KNOW YOU'LL FIND YOUR WAY BACK. I'LL WAIT TILL THEN. "

However much she tried, Devasena couldn't banish the thought process that led her
to the palace, the hall, the portraits. And most importantly, the man. What
bothered her most was that, the man knew her name. But she did not.

Devasena's roomie, Avanthika, was totally taken aback when she said she wouldn't
have dinner.

" What? Hadn't you texted me to order mixed chow? What's this now, of all times! "

But nothing could get Devasena easier. Avanthika was good in guessing her moods,
but Devasena was really not ready to share anything with her tonight. Not because
things seemed vague, not because something paranormal or unbelievable played
on the line, but because she had been strangely gripped by an uneasiness ever
since, the reason not being very clear.
While Avanthika fell fast asleep after carefully placing her dinner on the table,
Devasena surfed through the official website of their college. But even after an
hour of effort, she couldn't get enough of the faces of all the students of her
batch, or even seniors. It was too cumbersome a process. And soon she found
herself almost dosing off.

As Devasena lay down, the atypical eyes of the man in question began haunting her
once again. She shut her eyes tight, in vain.

Devasena struggled on bed. Whatever she had gone through was really not fun,
neither a very usual affair in a person's life. The man...

The fear was not baseless. The man almost vanished in thin air from the hall. And
was nowhere to be seen again.

Devasena got up and went to the couch. She sat down with a thud, highly
unconscious of Avanthi and her momentary stir.

" Considering Rajmata...a witness, I, ... ... swear to protect the people of
Maahishmathi with all my heart, soul, body and belongings. "

" Devasena, you proved your greatness by loving my son...and I lie on your feet
tonight. I become the worst mother in world. I killed my son, and snatched your
husband from you , your son's father from him... "

"... ... is the next heir to the throne. He needs to live. He needs to return...for the
people of Maahishmathi, and for a mother who awaits his return. "

Devasena woke up with a wail, and saw Avanthika hovering over her face. She
found herself all drenched in sweat.

" What's wrong Deva? You were screaming! Why are you on the couch? " Avanthika
looked highly concerned.

Devasena couldn't at all get over the faint visions she had been having all through
her sleep. But the pathetic part was that, the faces were unclear. And the
statements incomplete.
Avanthika brought her a glass of water. She gulped the whole at a go.

" Now tell me. Something happened? Something wrong? "

Devasena stared helplessly at Avanthi.

" I... I... am... having visions Avanthi! "

" Visions? Like? "

Devasena got up. It was really foolish of discussing vague things in the middle of
the night.

" Nothing. I am tired. "

She quickly lay on bed covering herself entirely with a blanket.

Avanthika sat speechless for some time. But she knew the ways of her stubborn
friend. And so she decided to retire to bed as well.

Next morning, the first thing Devasena did was to google up the only thing she
clearly remembered.

Maahishmathi.

No results found.

WHAAT?

She altered spellings and tried again. But the search engine really wasn't ready to
give in.
Devasena couldn't believe this. How could she possibly have visions of something
that didn't even exist? Dreams come off as imageries of things registered in
subconscious minds. But if she'd never heard of Maahishmathi to the extent that it
didn't even exist, how the hell did she have visions?

Devasena cupped her face.

Avanthika!

She was a big time bookworm. And no doubt, books still remain the biggest source
of the unknown.

" Maahishmathi... "

Avanthika squeezed her brows while Devasena stared on with aspiration.

" of course...of course...

I know the name. "

Devasena almost jumped up and hugged her. " I knew it, my living encyclopedia!
You are love. "

Avanthika blurted on. " There's this book at the library of the White Club, of which
I'm a lifetime member. Till last year I used to spend a lot of time at their library. I
believe it's one of the most enchanting libraries I've ever seen. This year coz of this
thesis I get so less a time...

Anyways there's this book I remember, named as The Demolished Dynasties. By

Lord Cantabelle, a Brit. He researched on a handful of dynasties of Madhya
Pradesh, that met an untimely demise due to issues mostly within home.
'Antaryudh' ---war within.

I bet, the clan that ruled Maahishmathi, a huge state on the banks of Narmada,
was one of them. "
Devasena's head banged within.

Rajmata...son...murder...husband...return...

She couldn't however much concentrate on anything Avanthika said after that.

She suddenly spoke, " How is it that Google doesn't know about Maahishmathi? "

Avanthika once again drowned in thoughts.

"I... don’t really understand. Maybe the history wasn't significant enough. But
then...at least a reference of the book would obviously be there..."

Avanthika began checking her phone. In vain.

" That's strange. “she pursed her lips.

But Devasena was lost in another trail of thoughts. And that was zillion times
stranger.

" Don't worry though. If you wish I can look for my card and take you there in the
evening. "

Devasena immediately grabbed it.

" I would be immensely grateful if you take me there. And I promise to tell you my
reason of concern after that. "

Avanthika smiled to this.

" I can wait.

Anyways, there's something with this book that is coincidental. Though the worst
part is that I don't remember what. "

Devasena made a face palm gesture while Avanthika laughed out loud.

In the evening, Avanthika took Devasena to the White Club. The library was huge,
with ends of shelves invisible. After checking in, Avanthika took her to the search
monitor in the middle.

She herself typed 'Maahishmathi'.

Only one name popped.

" Bless my memory. “, Avanthika winked. But their smiles faded when an 'NA'
popped up next to it.

" Not available? My god! That's certainly not a book to borrow, unless you are
hooked and cannot finish it here whatsoever. Let's go to the counter. "

Avanthika grabbed her hand and went to the counter. " Hello Ella! “, she
exchanged a smile with a lady over the desk. "Long time no see!”, Ella said.

" Yeah... Caught in life you see! Anyways, there's this book named The Demolished
Dynasties by Lord Cantabelle. Is it available?"

Ella had already began checking.

" errmm... No. It's been borrowed almost fifteen days back. In fact, if it's not
returned by tonight eight, the library will make a warning call. "

" to? "

Devasena uttered from beside.

“...to...the borrower. “, Ella shifted her gaze to her.

" his name?"

Devasena herself was startled with her surety of the gender.

Ella was surprised at the inquisitiveness and looked disturbed at Avanthika. But she
too seemed interested with the name.

" it's some... ", Ella began checking. "...some Amarendra B. "

Avanthika's brows squeezed again as she got another feat of thoughts.

Devasena on the other hand very eagerly asked for his address.

" Shreebhumi, 13 Lalmaati Road. "

As Devasena sat behind Avanthika on her scooty, she found her unusually quiet.

Back at the PG, she asked. " What's bothering you Avanti?"

"The strange coincidence. I hadn't met you when I first read the book. And I
completely forgot about it when I did. But today like a lightning flash I
remembered, the Maahishmathi clan's last Rajmaata had your name, Devasena.
The last Maharani was named Avanthika. And your husband was ... Amarendra,
Amarendra Baahubali, who was murdered by his mother, Rajmata Shivagami... "

Devasena felt giddy.

" Maharani Avanthika? But... “, Devasena quietened for some time. Then asked
further. " Does that book contain illustrations? "
" mmm...minimal. I remember, the photos were mostly captured from the ruins of
the palace of Maahishmathi. But very unclear, the book itself being written almost
a hundred or more years back. "

" Ruins of the palace? ", Devasena kept staring, her throat felt dry.

" Yes... As far as I remember, the original huge fortress of the clan was demolished
almost with the demise of the dynasty itself.”, Avanthika was lost in thoughts
again.

" ...however I rag my brain I don't remember the name of the last king. But he was
Amarendra and Devasena's son. And Avanthika and he too had a son ... but...”,
Avanthika tried hard to recapitulate.

" Mahendra..."

All of a sudden Devasena blurted a name out of the blue.

" Ahhh...exactly! Oh my god how did you know? "

How did she know? Devasena managed the situation, "because Mahendra rhymes
with Amarendra. "

Avanthika laughed and went back to her thoughts, while Devasena grew colder
inside.

How did she know?

" I give up. I am highly ashamed that I don't remember major events of a book I
read only a year or two back. This thesis is to be blamed. It has hijacked my
brain."

Avanthika got up and went to the washroom.

Avanthika had this thing. She wouldn't particularly interfere in affairs unless shared
with.
And Devasena now needed time.

She very well remembered, the hall had lineage pictures of only Queens, and that
ended with Rajmata Devasena itself.

If Mahendra and Avanthika had a son, why didn't he rule?

Most importantly, the palace which was at the banks of Narmada was demolished,
the dynasty ended, then who created another huge palace here in Bhopal, that
hung photos of the clan?

Now the biggest question, how did she have visions? How did she know names she'd
never heard? How did she look like a Devasena some centuries back...?

The man... Devasena very urgently needed to reach him. Again.

'I know you will find yourself.'

Devasena decided to drop classes today. She couldn't afford to again run for life in
the middle of the night. Morning was the best time to explore.

" Sreebhoomi, 13, Laalmaati road. "

She got up an auto.

The driver looked friendly. " bhaiyaa... Sreebhoomi is a palace right? "

" haan didi! Belongs to the Bhawaanis. After they shifted abroad, that too some
fifty years back, it was almost passing to the hands of dealers and contractors
when suddenly out of the blue, a Bhawaani turned up a few months ago. It's news
madam! “, the driver grinned at her ignorance. The simple man didn't care to
wonder though, why the lady wanted to reach a place she particularly knew
nothing about.

Devasena wanted to hit herself. How self-engrossed did she remain?

" bhaiyaa, do the Bhawaanis originally belong to the Maahishmathi ruler clan? "

To this the driver remained so dumb as if she spoke French.

Poor things. They only knew news. Not history.

The auto dropped Devasena to the huge gateway of most probably the palace she
had roamed or rather marathoned around that night. The iron gateway almost ten
feet tall, was half opened, and Devasena got in slowly.

She understood she was standing on a huge property, fenced all around with larger
than life walls, almost secluding the palace from the rest of the city.

And a palace indeed! The structure whose insides were known to her, surprised
Devasena on the outside with its mammothness. The palace lay in the middle of
the grounds she was standing on, and the gateway was connected to it with a
roadway of pebbles.

Devasena walked onto the door of the palace, which itself was again at least eight
feet tall. She noticed an old bell beside the door. Though on the outsides the
palace showed no signs of life, Devasena very well knew of the man in
question...unless he wasn't really at home. But looking at the latch that held no
locks, she hoped for the better.

She pulled the bell.

A long hour of no response even after repeated calls.

Devasena felt highly irritated. Why the hell was she running after something
vague? Why even, when no one was ready to help?

Frustrated, Devasena turned to go.

Just then the door behind her opened with a noise.

Devasena immediately turned to find the door half open.

She pushed through, and walked in.

Amarendra poured tea from a huge teapot, a spellbinding antiquity, to equally

beautiful cups. Devasena kept staring at the process once, and the man next.

The man in question.

" Welcome. "

A baritone reverberated through the walls of the typically royal living room, to her
ears.

Devasena had walked in to find Amarendra sitting on a single sofa a distance away
from the door, with tea and biscuits carefully placed on the table, everything with
a smell of the previous centuries.

Once again Devasena was speechless at the hugeness of the living room which was
a hall in itself too.

Amarendra had then beckoned her and she was now seated in a five sitter sofa just
before him.

Those eyes. And a smile.

The uneasiness pulped up within her throat, once again.

Devasena hesitated taking the tea. Wasn't really worth it, having tea with a
stranger in a palace. She could face anything any moment.

" I don't drink tea. “, she tried to stay safe.

Amarendra smiled wider, and placed the tea back to the tray, picking up his cup.
" Of course you do. I know you do. But it's alright. You needn't trust me. Just as I
had said, neither will I hold, nor let go. Neither will I guide, nor mislead. It's your
story, you are the hero, and I... a mere spectator."

Devasena looked on. Never had she felt so helpless in life. She cleared her throat.

" Am..Amarendra...right?"

" Right. "

" I... actually had gone to the..."

" the book is back there. I returned it last night.”, a smile again.

Devasena got a blow at every step. The man knew so much!

She needed to talk business though.

" There's actually...another painting... "

Immediately the lights went out. A pitch darkness engulfed the whole scenery. Not
even a string of sunlight entered through any slit. Death black, blind, that's how it
felt.

Spontaneously, unthinkingly, gripped by fears of infinite degrees and dangerously

paralysed, Devasena cried, the sound as if travelling light years, back from times
unknown, connections unexplored, and meanings uncherished..."
Amarendra!!!!!!!!"
Devasena and Avanthika as captured in their phone galleries

Raajmata Devasena
Amarendra Baahubali

Amarendra B.

Places
The mysterious palace

The hall
The guiding lantern

White Club's library

Deva - Avanti's PG

A person stood before the History section of the White Club's Library.

'The Demolished Dynasties' was placed back carefully, a little book with wine red
hardback, and the name written in gold.

The library was almost clear at this point of the day, and the little number of
readers present didn't at all care to buzz around the History section.

The person had very well known the CCTV placements, being a keen observer. No,
not typically a book thief, but at times observations did good. Real good.

The History section fortunately lacked a camera placement. And that was only
because this public History section didn't really house precious collections. Those
were in separate cubicles, well protected.

The person slowly pulled out the book, shifting gazes from side to side. No one
around.

In a split second, a zip deep inside the jacket tore open to slide a book between its
length.
Minutes later, the person walked out, with bags clear, apparels clear superficially,
and with a smile at the security.

++++++

Devasena wanted to throw a dish at the person right before, who was now
frantically laughing.

Just a few moments earlier she had freezed to the point of death, vivaciously
shouting his name. The person sat before throughout, but didn't care to make a
sound. When the lights returned, he began laughing out loud when she had turned
completely pale.

" Are we playing a game here? “, Devasena stood up with a thud.

" A game of frightening someone without a damn reason? From day one you are
doing strange things to me. I'll go to the police. "

Amarendra slowly stopped laughing, and kept staring at her, without blinking, to a
point that she had to break the eye lock.

That uneasiness...

" You are free to go anywhere you wish. I didn't bring you back here... Devasena! "

Devasena could feel her heart stop for a while. Never in life had she heard her
name being pronounced so beautifully, so distinctly, so deeply, so passionately...

"from this moment, till deaths do us apart, I am yours... Devasena! "

WHAT??

No. The person before her didn't utter a word now. But she clearly heard that,
'Devasena' uttered exactly in the same way.
" Who spoke? "

Devasena didn't know what she was into. But the same exquisite fear began
grabbing her again. This palace didn't house anything that could make her feel
good. She always felt sick.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

" Are you alright? “, Amarendra remained sitting.

She was not. She shut her eyes tight, to maintain balance.

And then she suddenly screamed, " Why do I hear voices? Why do I have visions?
Why did you bring me here that day? Why are you ruining my normal life? "

Devasena breathed hard. She felt giddy again and not so alright.

Amarendra stood up. He walked towards her, stood right before her and said, " Life
is a mystery Devasena! But, it's really not that you have to solve things right away.
Everything has its time, and you will get your chance, if not now, maybe centuries
later. A beginning is all we needed. Now...ease up. "

There was no reason to ease up at all, but this man, the man in question and his
reassuring eyes did release a ton of burden from her mind it seemed. She really
felt less heavy now, though not particularly understanding a word he said.

" Water? "

Amarendra brought a jug from the table to her. She needed that desperately.

" So... Do you know anything at all about me?"

Amarendra had walked a few steps away from Devasena now, placing the jug back
on the table and then throwing at her the question.
Devasena wasn't sure what she was supposed to tell. She had known little things,
but the identity of the person had already split into two.

So has hers...

" Forget the paintings. "

Goodness! The man could read minds it seemed. And that left Devasena even more
mute.

" Fine. Lemme introduce myself. I am Amarendra. I have never used the surname
of my family because surnames don't make us, us. Names do. If I had used though,
it would be a Bhawaani. Though recently I have started using a B. Not sure what it
stands for. “, he smiled. And this time the smile had more meaning.

" Why don't we walk and talk? I know you are a black belt, a Marshall artist too.
Come let's walk upto a place you would love. "

Amarendra began walking from the living room to an adjacent corridor. Devasena,
who followed him quite comfortably now...or rather almost hypnotized, could
recognize the corridor immediately.

A night at a palace.

He talked while walking,

" I was born and brought up in UK. This palace was abandoned by my forefathers
due to issues I never took interest in knowing, as it was. They took nothing from
this palace while shifting abroad.

Recently I came to know from my parents that this house, whose papers still
remain to our names, is on the verge of demolition and the contractors are
offering a heavy pay.

Look around. Do you think this house is demolishing? "

Devasena looked around.

" Not at all. "

Amarendra smiled and entered into a room.

" This way. "

In a moment the room lit up with a switch.

" The Royal Weaponry. "

Devasena had never witnessed such vastness. The room was just too big to cover at
a glance, and lining the walls were shelves that housed weapons of all kinds.

Devasena like in a trance walked upto the shelves, Amarendra walked along.

Swords, blades, Shields, Axes, Spears, Guns...

" Zamindaars usually don't have much use of such a huge weaponry. But my great
grandfather rather took typical interests in collecting types of weapons."

" goodness... “, she uttered.

" Do you know handling any? "

" only a bit of archery. "

" Cool! Come! "

Amarendra took her to another end of the room.

Here dummy dolls stood in a line. And at a distance, a point was marked. Besides
that, a shelf housed different sizes of bows.

Amarendra handed over a stack of arrows to Devasena. A smile crossed her face for
the first time. She chose a bow, stood on the point, placed an arrow,
stretched...and...

There stood the doll, arrow struck.

" Bravo! "

Amarendra clapped.

Devasena, proudly continued her shots, hunting down almost all the dolls in the
line, without a single miss.

" You are brilliant! "

Devasena, smiling wide was about to place back the bow, when Amarendra said, "
three arrows in one shot. Try!"

While he himself took up another bow, and his stack of arrows.

Devasena immediately lost confidence. Because she knew this was not her arena.
Who could pull three shots at a go?

Amarendra came and stood just beside her.

She squeezed her brows, " I don't know the process. "

" Of course you know. "

With this, he showed his four fingers instead of two.

"Naadve!"

Immediately, unconsciously, making an eye contact with him, a couple of words

escaped her lips, as if spoken by a different soul,

" Manibandham

Bahirmukham... "

She confidently raised her bow, placed three arrows, her wrists directed
outwards.

A different energy rose within.

Amarendra smiled. And immediately slipped his right hand past her waist, grabbing
his bow with his left, and pulling three shots at a time.

" Dwajaa! ", he shouted and let the arrows leave.

Devasena, hypnotized, did the same.

As six arrows hit a dummy at a go...a current passed through Devasena once again,
and his breath, past her ears, burnt her alive.
THE BEAUTIFUL SEQUENCE!
" Jesus... ", Devasena shot herself out of Amarendra's grip, who by then had
released it too. Yet...she felt electrified, she felt floating, very sick simply.

" I need to go home. ", and with this, Devasena began walking away, and then
almost ran out of the weaponry...down the corridor to the main door and at a go
out of the main gate and stopped, gasping only when she was on the road. Time
and again she looked back to see if he followed, and was equally relieved yet upset
that he neither shouted nor followed.

I will neither hold...nor let go...

Back at the PG, she ran fevers. The PG was deserted. Not anyone stayed back from
work. The thermometer read a hundred and one degrees... but she did not have a
tinge bit of energy to take a paracetamol even. She fell on the bed...as if dead
tired. Of what...she didn't know.

When she woke up, the room was completely dark. For a second she had a feeling
she had never had before.

Was she dead?

The very next moment an even stranger feeling caught her. Like she was inside a
cell. Her limbs felt heavy as if she'd been shackled. Before she could even move to
check her senses, a whisper chilled her from head to toe.
No one remembers him... No one takes his name in Maahishmathi...

Devasena cupped her ears...but the sound began echoing as if it rose from
something long suppressed, within.

"Jesus...!"

Devasena jumped out of the bed with all life and ran to the switchboard. With a
flick the room lit up and along with that, the door swung open.

Avanthika got in.

" oh my... You home already?" ...Avanthika's smile got replaced by a worry when
she saw Devasena's pale face.

" What... “, before she could finish, Devasena ran to her and grabbed her hand. "
Please take me to the library Avanti! I need to read the book! "

Avanthika knew things were not alright at all. But she only nodded slowly.

" I am really sorry madam, but... I cannot find the book.”, Ella directed this to
Devasena, who was as if on the verge of demolition.

" But I need the book why don't you get that? “, Devasena shouted while heads
turned in the library.

Avanthika immediately took control. She knew Devasena very well. She was
frantically in need of the book for some unknown reason and that was what made
her behave irrationally.

" Ella... The book was returned yesterday right? Then... "

Ella was already in utter chaos. She had begun making phone calls, within which
she only managed to say that once they trace the book they'll inform Avanthika.
Avanthika took Devasena out of the library and was surprised to see her crying
already.

Avanthika had been trying to console Devasena for a long time now. She had come
to know everything from Devasena already. From the library, they had walked to
the cafeteria of the club itself, another beautiful place to reside for some time.

Devasena had sobbed and blurted out each and everything she underwent for the
last few days. Avanthika had listened carefully, but at the end all she had done
was to heave a sigh of disbelief.

" believe me Avanthika! It's not at all a misconception. I... "

" who even said that? Deva... I absolutely believe everything except your last life
theory. Listen... You are one hell of a beauty. And painters are the best illusion
creators. Just as I said... That book has illustrations which are utterly unclear.
That man might have just come across the book after he began stalking you...and
then painted the things to drive you into an illusion... “, Avanthika chuckled and
seeped the coffee.

Devasena was already tired. So... she just decided to not remind her of the visions
and voices, because disbelief was a heavy thing. Not easily movable.

Just then her eyes rolled to the swing door of the cafeteria, pushing which, a man
got in.

Devasena felt giddy again.

The man in question.

He slowly took a seat at one corner, called in the waiter, ordered for something
and began checking his phone.

While Avanthika tried to divert her away to some other affairs, Devasena couldn't
help but stare time and again at Amarendra, who though not for once looked at
her.
The man was following her.

For a moment Devasena wanted to believe everything that avanthika just said. But
then...something just didn't let her. She very well knew, something slept in her
subconscious, which was now stirring vigorously to wake up.

Amarendra might be following her, but the reason was not mere stalking.

Should she tell Avanthika that the very man sat behind?

No. She might just get up and create a scene. And Devasena couldn't afford to lose
the man...again.

Again? What was she thinking? She at times couldn't connect to herself these days.

Avanthika could well understand that Devasena was not mentally here before her.
She somehow felt, Devasena needed to be left alone for the time being.

" Deva... You sit. I'll just return after making a phone call. Networks are weak in
here."

Devasena meekly nodded, and Avanthika walked out of the cafe.

Devasena and Amarendra now were sitting diagonally opposite, but not for once
did his eyes shift from the phone screen. He sipped in the coffee every now and
then.

And Devasena could feel a turmoil erupting within.

The man purposely avoided an eye contact. Why even? Should she get to him and
talk?

But why?
The uneasiness pulped up again in her throat, and she began dancing her feet
vigorously as a signature to some stress within.

He had finished the coffee. He got up. Devasena's pulse marathoned. His eyes met
hers, he smiled, and left the cafeteria.

Like in a trance, Devasena got up too...and walked behind, out of the cafeteria, as
if forgetting everything.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The waiter stood dumb when he found that the man he was supposed to hand over
the chit had already left the cafe. He quickly made his way to the backside, where
just a few minutes ago a person had paid him well to only hand over a chit to the
man who sat at the right corner in a maroon shirt.

But the person was absolutely nowhere to be seen now.

What would he do? He had taken the money, and also he particularly knew the
man in maroon, a new member of the White Club, but in local news, the man who
returned from UK to save Sreebhoomi from vultures, his forefathers' mansion.
Amarendra B. A very adorable personality. But the problem was...he hadn't seen
the person who paid him off, in his almost one year in this club. So... he could
better find Amarendra than the other person.

Though not correct enough, yet he couldn't contain the desire to read what's
written.

" known your face for centuries now. Could easily confront you, but not everyone
dives into the past. If you do remember anything of times that passed...meet me
here itself, tomorrow, 6 pm. Wear what you are wearing, I'll find you. "

The waiter's jaw dropped. He threw the chit to the bin. If he ever found the person
again, he would return the money.
Devasena almost freaked out when someone grabbed her wrists from the back and
drove her out of her trance to the roadside.

She realised that in the name of following Amarendra, she was on a dark road now.
And he was nowhere before her.

Avanthika smacked her, utterly irritated.

" Get back to your senses Deva! What's wrong with you? I found you nowhere in the
cafeteria, and then ran down, asking the security took your path. Where were you
heading to? "

Devasena was in a big confusion. She well remembered that she had been following
Amarendra, keeping a distance. But...but why? Why even?

Amarendra was well before her for a long time, and then the road took a turn, and
maybe he disappeared soon after that but she kept walking until grabbed back to
senses by Avanthika.

" tell me now...where were you going? "

" ...hh...home... “, Devasena swallowed in words.

" home? This way? Devasena what's wrong with you? A twenty first century woman
believes in all those utter nonsense? Come with me without a word. You'll receive
some serious thrashing from me otherwise. "

Avanthika and Devasena had a dinner at their favourite Chinese restaurant, the
motive was mostly to drive Devasena out of some unexplained gloom, the plan
being Avanthika's. And Devasena totally felt better. She now wanted to never face
Amarendra again at least for the time being. He was not great for her health.

Back home after some random chit chats, Avanthika suddenly received a call.

" Ella... “, she rolled her eyes over the screen and then answered. And placed the
phone on speaker when requested by Devasena.
" Hi Avanthika... I'm extremely sorry to inform that the book is strangely missing.
And what astonishes us is the fact that why would such an insignificant book be
stolen? Though the book is out of publications, yet...anyone and everyone can
borrow that directly from us! It's nothing precious to be taken away that way... " ,
Ella sounded disappointed. Avanthika looked at Devasena who looked equally
upset.

"it's...okay Ella...and it's unfortunate too... “, Avanthika couldn't find an

appropriate word.

" ...yeah...okay...i just...

Anyways one last thing, were you in the library today morning? "

To this Avanthika's brows squeezed. So did Devasena's.

"me? No dear! I had important lectures at college today. “, Avanthika stopped,

highly irritated, deciding not to explain any further. Ella too dropped the call after
apologizing.

Avanthika paced down the room, frowning.

" what did she just mean? I stole the book? Nonsense! Crap! I have a card; I am a
member! Why will I steal a petty book? "

Devasena tried to calm her down but Avanthika when excited wouldn't just listen
to anyone.

After a huge amount of eruptions, Avanthika calmed down, and they went to
bed... Devasena a bit upset, and Avanthika still a bit angry.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

A strange feeling woke Devasena up. She slowly sat up on the bed, and kept on
sitting for a long time. Avanthika was fast asleep, snoring.
Amarendra...

Devasena shut her eyes tight. But all she could see was his face, and strangely
enough, the face resembled the portrait in the dark room, and not the Amarendra
she talked to...

Past life...

Devasena got up. She was numb again, and dumb too.

No. She couldn't just ignore everything and sit quietly. When resources were at
hand, running away couldn't be an option.

She took the keys, and slowly shut the door behind her, with a sleeping Avanthika
inside.

Devasena was stoned to see the man in question standing with a bike and a smile,
below the PG.

" Whaaat? "

She just couldn't utter anything else.

" Get up."

Amarendra started the bike. And Devasena got up, without even realizing that it
was 2 in the night.

" am I dreaming? Why were you below my dwelling? "

Amarendra's voice flew away with the air as his bike speeded up. Yet Devasena
gathered, " waiting for you. "

Somewhere, Devasena felt beautiful. And she didn't know how such weirdness
could make her feel that.
" and if I didn't come? "

" I would return home."

Devasena knew, nothing could make sense to her however much she asked. So she
decided to keep mum, plus she was feeling cold.

Yet safe, with a stranger. Or was he?

Amarendra parked his bike before his massive villa while Devasena stared amazed.
The villa was lit up even on the outside now, and that added to its vivid beauty
that fountained out in the night.

" don't you have a security? "

She asked while Amarendra opened a massive lock to the massive main door.

He nodded sideways, and smiled again.

" no one wants to work here. They feel this place...”, he deepened his voice as
they got in, the door automatically shutting down behind them, shaking Devasena
a bit from the insides, " ...is haunted. "

Devasena chilled. Completely. And the man in question laughed out loud.

The entire mansion was flooding with lights tonight. And yet Devasena knew she
was sweating.

" Look at you! You completely froze! "

Amarendra underwent another feat of hysterical laughter and then grabbed

Devasena by her shoulder making her sit on a sofa.

And once again, she was electrified. But she was trying to get used to that, plus
now, the fear seemed greater than every other attribute.
Was he real?

Devasena stared at him with wide eyes as he settled down just before her.

" now do you think I'm a ghost? "

Devasena felt like crying. Why did she just get up on his back? Who could hear her
if she shouted?

Amarendra nodded his head, chuckling.

" Ohh god! I thought Devasenas had a warrior heart. Do you think humans are less
dangerous than... Ggghhhosts...? "

Devasena swallowed in her own saliva. But yes...his words always worked.

" Come on! Did you not see me talking to the waiter at the cafeteria? Seriously I
don't believe I'm explaining to you my humanity. "

Amarendra got up mostly to fetch water to one corner of the huge living room.

And here Devasena as if got back a life.

She couldn't believe she was a black belt and afraid of ghosts at the end.

He handed her a glass and sat back before her.

" the fact is...centuries back, I don't even know how many generations ago, one of
my ancestors used to work as a 'pundit' at the royal temple of a huge state at the
banks of a river...his son however took huge interest in weapons.

But both him...and his son were strangely dead, mostly suspected to be
murdered.
Our clan maintained no connection with the state ever after, but you might
understand, after the palace was vacated, people began remembering almost
forgotten tales of the only untimely deaths of the line. "

Devasena gulped in a sip of water, while every word sinked into her.

" Phewww!”, she blurted out the entire liquid. " What's this? "

Amarendra laughed again. " Vodka. You had turned pale then "

Maybe his laughter really hurt her ego this time, and she drank in the never tasted
liquid at a go. Amarendra twisted his lips in appraisal.

" Devasena enough."

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Devasena and Amarendra had walked up to the backyard of the palace.

She didn't know why, Devasena now felt no hurry...no urge, to explore the
unknown. She rather was okay with whatever was coming to her, most importantly
she liked hanging around the huge mysterious house, though flooding with lights
tonight, without asking a question...with him.

" The garden is a beautiful place to sit in the night. “, Amarendra had said when a
huge wall clock struck 3.

The living room was directly connected to the gardens. And now they stood before
a canal filled with water that surrounded the entire palace it seemed, and the
garden stood across the canal, all beautifully lit.

" I believe there used to be small bridges sometime, but not anymore. “,
Amarendra pointed to a half broken bridge on the other side of the canal.

" so how do we reach that side? "

Amarendra made a small jump and stood half in water.

" it's extremely shallow madam! “, he smiled, placing one hand to the edge just
where Devasena stood, and the other hand to the broken end of the bridge.

" Even you... "

Before Amarendra could finish, Devasena placed her right foot on his shoulder. And
before he could react, Devasena had crossed the hand bridge Amarendra
supposedly unknowingly created.

Upon stepping down the opposite side, Devasena as if realised what she had just
done. Horrified, she turned back at Amarendra, who still stood in water, but had a
heavenly smile on his face.

Almost whispering he re-uttered,

" Devasena enough!"

Devasena shot her body up from the extra soft bed, cushioned with pillows all
around. She had been on this very bed earlier.

All she remembered was, she had crossed the canal, her head had swirled. 'First
time drinkers syndrome'. And she had begun to fall. Everything had gone blank
soon after.

Waking up on this bed wasn't strange anymore, but what estranged her was the
morning lights that poured in through the single open window, and the person
sitting just at her feet, smiling.

Avanthika.

" Avanti! Oh my god! You here? “, Devasena was startled beyond imagination.
Avanthika found her way to Sreebhoomi?

Though she had told everything back then to Avanthika, and she was smart enough,
but given the strange dweller of this place...

" Where's he? “, Devasena felt her heart pacing without a reason.

" Who? “, Avanthika questioned, utterly calm.

Devasena bit her lips.

" Amarendra! "

To this Avanthika looked around as if searching for the person.

" Every door. From the main gate to this room was opened wide. I saw no
Amarendra... “, she shrugged her shoulders

" And as promised, you will be thrashed more than you can imagine. I woke up
around 3 in the night to find you nowhere. I had to just terribly call you, and rag
my brain until I ran upto here with much courage. I hate old palaces and forts. “,
Avanthika glared.

And it was justified.

Devasena got down. Avanthika too. She immediately grabbed Devasena before she
could set out for another expedition in search of the man.

" We are going home. "

Devasena helplessly stared at her, and then nodded in positive.

Avanthika swiftly led her down a corridor that led to the living room itself, and
Devasena herself felt lost even after the third visit.

The doors were actually open and no one was anywhere to be seen. Avanthika
almost guided Devasena out of the main gate, who toppled numerous times looking
around for the man in question.

But he didn't appear.

They boarded an auto rickshaw and throughout the journey, both of them
remained quiet.

Just before getting down, Devasena couldn't help but ask the driver, " Bhaiyaa... Is
Sreebhoomi haunted? "
The driver immediately chuckled. " we too believed that didi, but since that NRI
heir returned, and is still existing alone, the rumors have started appearing as
rumours. "

Devasena breathed a sigh of relief, while Avanthika watched the process

carefully.

He's real then.

Back at the PG, the room appeared extremely foggy.

" What's this? "

Avanthika herself shouted out seeing the smoky weather inside the room while
Devasena coughed and cleared the air before her eyes. The windows were already
open, and Devasena looked out.

" they must have burnt scraps nearby, and the smoke reached the rooms. "

Avanthika squeezed her nose.

" Why do you think he didn't appear before our eyes for once? “, Avanthika raised
her brows. While Devasena searched for the answer in mid-air.

And then twisted her lips. But remained quiet.

" Because if he's been following you, he knows my whereabouts as well. And since
I'm sure I will recognize him as some bee buzzing around you at your college fests
and bla, he too must have known about my strong memory and observation senses.
"

Avanthika clapped and laughed. Devasena too couldn't contain her smile.
Avanthika indeed was smart, but the girl boasted a lot too.

But again, what could be the real reason of his absence?

" how did you reach the bedroom straight? “, Devasena suddenly asked Avanthika.

" who said straight? Almost every other door was locked. "

Actually. Devasena knew the saga of closed doors.

" listen Devasena. Stop visiting Sreebhoomi. You have a life. And a great career as
a painter ahead. Please don't waste time on these bullshit and pure bluffs! "

Avanthika got up to arrange for some dry breakfast. Devasena kept sitting. Just
because she couldn't handle the vodka, she had to let him go...

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The person stood with brows together while the man before explained.

" our shop will lead you to never discovered or even not much talked about
historical artefacts, clans, paintings and what not. I personally detest mainstream.
This curio shop was my grandfather's. But when it transferred to me from baba, I
began collecting things which people hardly heard about. And surprisingly, people
gathered interest! “, the man rubbed his hands in joy, a chubby bubbly fellow in
mid sixties.

The person slowly began walking down the length of the not so large room, but like
chokingly packed with stuffs. A curio shop down one of the narrowest lanes in
Bhopal.

The chubby man walked along.

" Strangely, you are the second person in just some time span who came looking
for stuffs of Maahishmathi, a kingdom I never heard of until I read a book. The
book was so beautifully written that I couldn't contain my desire to visit the place
where the kingdom was once situated. “, the man was too joyous.

The person spoke, " and what did you find there? "
" Hahah! A strange story. The palace still stands on the banks of Narmada, but
almost completely demolished. People around only know, it used to be a huge
kingdom almost five centuries back, but unlike many clans which demolished due
to foreign invasions, it demolished because of... "

" Antaryudh. ", the person completed and went to take up an ornament that lay in
a box at one corner of a table. A ring.

The joyful man said, " so rightly chosen. It's from Maahishmathi. The last king's
little finger's. "

The person caressed the ring...and slowly uttered... " Mahendra... "

After sometime the person asked, " and what else did you gather? "

" Hahah! Not me. The biggest local curators did. Very few things could be gathered
from the palace. It's believed, there was mostly a fire outbreak..."

The person placed back the ring.

" Some little antiquities like these, and three paintings, of the lady rulers,
only...that too very much worn out. "

" and one painting of a man too...who supposedly...”, the person stopped because
the ever joyous man now seriously nodded in negation.

" No dear! Strangely enough no one found any painting of the kings of the clan.
Supposedly...the fire destroyed patriarchy. “, with this the man burst out into a
devastating laughter.

And the person nodded too swiftly, as if enjoying the thing.

" And the other person who visited you even yesterday I believe; he took only three
paintings of three women. Right?"

" Right."
" did he tell his name? "

" I made a bill for Mr A.B. "

The person stared blankly, and almost whispered. " existential crisis of lookalikes.
"

" sorry? “, the man asked.

" nothing. You tell me uncle, isn't Mahendra a better name? "

" Err... Better than? "

The person walked back to the corner of the table and picked up the ring.

" Pack this for me. "

The chubby man happily took it from the person and went over to the billing
counter.

" What name shall I bill for dear? "

" A. M. " , the person reciprocated the smile.

" Why did you lie? "

Devasena stared, calm.

Avanthika took some time, and then slowly uttered, " when a book you were
searching for goes missing, and when you eventually happen to be there before it
went missing, you are ought to feel insecure of being suspected of stealing it. "
" Ohh come on Avanti! Now you remember that they have CCTVs and the securities
have seen you too. But you blatantly lied to Ella! And me too that night! Had you
told her the truth that you were there for some thesis purposes, what would be
the harm? Now they would totally suspect you! "

Avanthika cupped her face for some time. And then as if shaking off everything
stood up, "whatever. I know I'm clean. So I shouldn't worry. "

" great that way too. “, Devasena smiled.

Avanthika got dressed and before leaving for work, warned, " Deva, for god's sake
please don't roam around elsewhere. Stay at home for today if you feel not so
well, but don't...please... “, Avanthika didn't complete the statement but cleared
her indications. Devasena nodded.

Devasena spend the day idly, trying hard not to think of anything related to the
man in question. But every time her mind went diving into things she didn't want
to think about.

After scribbling lines on canvases yet creating nothing fruitful, after listening to
the same songs a million times now, Devasena sat at the window and logged into
her Fb.

And spontaneously typed Amarendra on the search bar.

Quite a number of profiles popped up, but none matched. A single profile though
didn't have a display picture and the bio was minimal.

Anyways, Devasena suddenly realised that she was actually diving into very vague
things, once again.

She almost threw the phone away, and it began ringing the very moment.

BD sir calling

Shit.
" What's wrong Devasena? You have not turned up for two days now! I hate to see
the 'Ladybird' half-done whenever I visit Ethnicity. You know I hate unfinished
things... "

" I am a bit not so well sir. I informed Joshita. "

After this the man blabbered for some more time and Devasena waited for the call
to disconnect.

The man was in his sixties almost, and Devasena had an unexplained dislike for the
man who otherwise behaved very decently with her. But maybe was way too much
concerned about her. He had a name no one knew, but someone had rumoured
that the expansion to his shorthand was something extremely funny. His son had
sculpted 'The Blissful Soul' and received a scholarship from the president and now
was in Paris, and the man almost every hour reminded his students of his son.

Crap.

Devasena suddenly felt choked. She set up her mind to stroll below the PG. But an
uncertainty gripped her. If she went down to see the man in question standing with
his bike, what would she do?

Ignore. Ignore? How even!

Devasena came out of the room to the corridor and shouted out for Bablu, a little
boy who stayed downstairs and brought the necessities of the inmates. He came
dancing.

" Babu, please go and check if someone's standing with a bike below the PG. "

The little boy was gifted with a sense of humour everyone knew of, and was way
too mature for his age. " Ooo... Boyfriend. “, he stretched.

Devasena showed a slap and he ran away laughing. And Devasena stood at the
door.

Boyfriend! Meh!
Bablu had brought the good news of his absence, and Devasena had been strolling
down the road for quite some time now. Their PG was situated at a height, and the
road sloped down, covered by canopy.

The bike stopped by her side when she took the thirtieth round, shaking her from
within.

His eyes covered with shades, Amarendra looked taller today even while sitting on
the bike.

" How are you madam? “, he smiled.

Devasena squeezed her brows. Fear of the tiger, and he'll be here.

" F... Fine. “, she couldn't move though.

" Come, let's go for a ride. You'll feel better. "

" No... ", Devasena shrieked almost, tightening the shawl around her body. " I
mean...my friend will be home anytime and she doesn't have the keys. "

Amarendra silently shifted his gaze to the ground, though Devasena couldn't see his
eyes.

And then without a word, he drove away. Devasena couldn't even react.

" What? He left! “, Devasena blurted out loud.

Though she didn't exactly know what else could he do, yet an immense anger
gripped her and she thumped back into her room.

He left. He just left!

Devasena sat on the bed, still, trying to control.

Avanthika was stuck in work today. So Devasena had kept their keys next door, and
taken her White Club card with permission. She had liked the place a little too
much.

As Devasena entered her name as a guest of Avanthika Mohan, she asked for a list
of the purposes she could visit.

The Musician's gallery.

She came to know it's a hall housing a huge number of musical instruments, in
cubicles, and also together. The cubicles too had a few seats for the listeners, and
apart from that the entire hall had seats.

Devasena pushed the door to the gallery. The place was semi dark, and music was
born every moment, at every corner. The huge hall housed a huge number of
instruments and people, but everything seemed so well coordinated.

After hunting down the entire hall, Devasena chose a cubicle for herself. The
Santoor Cubicle.

She got in. The cubicle was empty, and she was relieved. She sat on the musician's
chair and took up the Santoor, adjusting her scale.

Once done, she drove her fingers through the string, and the world's most soothing
sound reached her ears and soaked her soul.

Santoor was her long time love. More than any western instrument, she felt
Santoor held greater sweetening index. And Devasena had always played it with
skill.

As Devasena created streams of tunes, the cubicle got slowly filled up, because
that's how it worked in there. Music attracted music lovers, and Devasena was a
pro.

However, today, Devasena as if didn't create the music herself. Though her fingers
moved above downwards and throughout, as time passed she felt she was losing
control. Devasena, kept brewing up the music with her eyes closed, oblivious to
the gathering crowd, but the truth was she herself was listening to such a
maddening tune for the first time.

Suddenly her heart went to a turmoil, something erupted within, and she felt as if
words pushed themselves up her throat and banged on her lips...ultimately
throwing them open...

Suni jo teri murli

Chali Re Chali Re Chal De

Piya more O jhulmi...

Gaaun tere hi geet kyun

Le main teri ho gayi

Chadh gayi teri preet re...

Ooo Mohna...

Kya huaa...

Kyun mat-maari gayi mori jaise

Chhoda bail ke pag tujhe aise

Hai Ye Saara Dosh Mera...

Devasena's eyes almost burst open, her heart pounded, her head banged. Her
fingers had stopped moving, so had her lips. A deafening silence as if engulfed the
entire hall, leaving everyone dumbstruck, including the creator of the streams.
Only one human...stood at the door, smiling.

Devasena walked out of White Club, almost out of her mind. She knew she
desperately needed to do two things in life right now, look for the book, and / or
look for Amarendra. And she was quite afraid of the later now.

Because, knowing things through pages was better than experiencing visions, or
feeling things that weren't normal. She had never had these in her twenty-three
years of life!

But she knew, unlike Avanthika she couldn't just brush everything under the
carpet. Because, Avanthika wasn't feeling what she was. She didn't know if things
connected to her previous births, but she definitely knew she was connected to
that man, in ways she didn't know of.

Devasena walked into a book store and asked for the book.

" I don't know of any such book. “, the man shrugged.

" yeah... It's out of publications..."

"wow! Then why are you here? Go to old book stores down the college lane. "
Devasena knew of the place, but she didn't just want to go exploring alone. As she
walked out of the store, lost and dejected, typically banged by the unknown lyrics,
she heard a voice that broke her trance.

" Devasena Sehgal, right? "

A man stood before her, typically beefy, with thick beard and a pair of eyes
sharper than a hawk. Devasena knew she knew this man, but took almost five
seconds to recognize.

" A...Adway Mathur... I believe. “, she hesitated.

The man smiled, " And I believe in what you believe. "

" Ohhh... You look exactly like your profile picture! “, Devasena knew she sounded
idiotic.

" Haha... So honest. People really hardly look themselves in displays. Anyways,
heard a lot from Baba about you, his most favourite girl with lots of pot..."

Devasena interrupted. " look who's talking. The creator of a sculpture that was
worth some thousand bucks... "

Adway smiled.

" I have never seen you in two years. “, Devasena said. " Neither did BD sir say you
were coming. "

" Oh... Yeah I actually, surprised them today. Tomorrow is my parent's anniversary
so... I just landed late in the morning."

Devasena nodded and stood awkwardly, not knowing what she was supposed to say
next.

"Err... Coffee? “, Adway smiled wider.

Devasena hesitated, but then agreed. After all he looked better than his
intolerable father.

It was six in the evening, and Adway walked into the White Club.

" You too a member?"

Devasena was astonished. Was everyone a member of this club now?

" Yeah. One of the most mystique places of Bhopal. I am a member for almost four
years now. "

They went to the cafeteria, and talked about art. Two persons belonging to the
same field always made a great company. And Devasena felt a lot better now.
Like, a lot.

They got up at around seven, and Adway insisted that he'd drop her home but she
denied. Adway then took leave and said he'd visit the billiards room and walked
away.

Devasena walked down the lounge to the stairs and just then she was called and
stopped from the back by a person who looked like a waiter to her.

" Good evening ma'am. You look kind. Actually your friend asked me to do a work
which I couldn't complete. So please return this money to your friend. “, he
handed a five hundred rupee note to an astonished Devasena. " Your friend looks
stern. But when I saw you too at the cafeteria, I thought you could help. Thank you
ma'am. "

Before she could react, the man was gone.

Friend!? Did he just think Adway was her friend? The stern friend?

Totally taken aback, Devasena kept the money in a separate chain of her purse.
She knew she had to return the money to its owner next time she met him. Or else
return it to the waiter. She now remembered correctly that the waiter belonged to
the cafeteria and was staring at them time and again.
Devasena walked out of the club once again, and almost fainted.

The man in question stood, resting slightly on his bike, his signature position.

Couldn't he just leave her alone?

As usual, her feet wouldn't move. She stood still as if locked.

" Hi." , Amarendra said, as if they met by chance again. Devasena tried to smile.

"Are you afraid of me? "

WHAAT?

The man could really talk on point though.

" N... No! “, Devasena stammered, looking away.

" Fine. But if you say a yes... I promise to depart from your life forever. And I keep
my promises. “, very distinct.

For a second, Devasena felt the world was slipping away. And the next she felt she
was gasping for breath. She uttered as fast as she could. "I'm not afraid of you.
Why should I be? "

Amarendra smiled and started his bike. And Devasena got up on his back, without a
single explainable reason.

" Where are we going? “, Devasena asked after almost ten minutes of a silent ride.

" Nowhere."
Devasena didn't reply back. Because she wanted exactly that. Maybe not the
man...but the house, that house, didn't suit her. She felt comfortable with him,
and she realised that every time she was with him. But the doubt and fear started
only after he left her.

Devasena carefully observed his side face, titling her head slightly from the back.
Men could always be handsome, but only some men could be royal, and he was one
such.

" the song was beautiful. " , he uttered.

Devasena shivered and moved away, realising she had drifted unnecessarily close.
She very well knew which song he was talking about.

And hence, out of the blue, suddenly she asked, " What song was that? "

" a lullaby. "

" and you heard it for... "

" the millionth time. "

Amarendra stopped the bike on the roadside beside a hill. Devasena got down.
Nothing much astonished her anymore, rather she knew, Amarendra could answer
everything.

Amarendra stood at a cliff by the roadside and breathed in. Devasena went and
stood beside.

" Why don't you tell me everything that links us, Amarendra? "

Amarendra looked at her, with a pair of deep yet calm eyes.

" doesn't make much sense Devasena. You should go through what I have gone
through exactly. Only that will enrich you with the passion. The kind of passion
that can drive a man through millions of kilometres to a country he had never seen
in this life, to finish what's unfinished. The kind of passion that makes you madly,
badly look for and crave for someone, to the extent that you find that someone
out. It's not easy Devasena, not at all to be blurted out, and believed. You have to
write your own story. And also... I don't know the whole of your story. "

Devasena stood dumbstruck. While Amarendra left her alone, on the dark roadside.
As his bike disappeared, tears streamed down her face, yet again without an
explainable reason.

The phone beeped, and after almost an hour of a thoughtless stroll back to the PG,
Devasena opened the message inbox. Joshita.

" Bhaalu is in country. Get ready to die. “, with a lots of lovestruck emoticons.

Devasena almost forgot. BD called his son not Adway, but something else, and that
something was more famous now. Bhaalu had already rented hearts with his
dashing pictures. And Devasena felt she was not even a girl at times.

" Met him. “, she replied back. Let her die now.

She closed her phone. Only she knew, this world and its people hardly meant
anything to her, more after today.

Back to her room, without Avanthika still in, she lay down, wrapped in a blanket,
but without a drop of sleep in her eyes.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

A black and white photo, torn from a book, burnt in someone's hand. While the
someone uttered distinctly, " Burn woman. You killed your son. And almighty won't
ever forgive you...ever! "
When Devasena woke up, she knew it was morning already. She could hear a gentle
hum from the washroom, which uneased her even more. It was past eight and she
couldn't even stay awake for Avanthika last night. Devasena kept sitting on the
bed, all dumb.

Avanthika got out of the washroom. She was ready again to leave.

" goodness madam! You were sleeping like a bear! I prepared breakfast already.
Are you planning to drop college again? Joshita called me, your phone isn't being
answered. "

She applied stuffs on her face before the mirror while talking, and Devasena got up
to go to the washroom.

" She said she'll meet you at 9 in Ethnicity. "

Joshita very anxiously stared at the entrance time and again, while Devasena sat,
deeply engrossed in the previous day's meeting.

With the man in question.

Devasena had slept sound the previous night, without any vision. Initially she
seemed stressed, but then an utter calm happened, and she saw nothing that could
help her write her own story.

And Amarendra won't...help her...

" There! "

Devasena's thought process was interrupted by a super excited Joshita. Devasena

shifted her gaze to the entrance.

Adway stood talking to a senior sculptor.

" Ohh my god he's soo cuteee!! "

Devasena was tired of Joshita's childishness. She got a new crush every third day.
So gross. Joshita grabbed her hand. " Let's go. Please Deva! Please please please! "

" Are you insane? Who's he? I talked to him for more than an hour yesterday and I
got nothing impressive. "

" You just shut up. You aren't straight actually. "

Devasena hit her and she hit back. With this, she suddenly remembered of the
money she had to return to Adway. She glared at Joshita and walked to him, who
joyfully jumped along.

Adway seemed very pleased to have met her again. After an initial greeting with
Joshita too, who was already drooling it seemed, Devasena brought out the note,
and mentioned the episode.

" What? Are you sure he said about me? I just landed yesterday after two long
years, how can I pay for any work to some waiter? And what work exactly? "

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Devasena sat with her brows squeezed while she mixed colors on the palate. BD
hadn't turned up today because it was supposedly his anniversary. While his son
appeared and introduced himself to almost everyone in the department. His son
was really much better. So better that a handful were already in his clutches. Like
Joshita.

Joshita was a great friend from the batch, of oil works. She took seat just beside
Devasena and was finishing a landscape.

Devasena though was highly distressed with the waiter's incident. Her thought did
not make any sense, and most importantly, she cursed herself for not asking the
waiter, what work did her friend want him to do that he couldn't finish.

Joshita kept on blabbering beside. " I just don't believe this. I am so cursed!! He...
The greatest Adway Mathur... "
" Just stop overreacting Jo! He's no great in some superlatives. Yes of course he's
talented but you are seriously overdoing him. "

Joshita blatantly ignored her roar and continued, " ...will have his first and maybe
last interactive session on sculpting before he leaves in the afternoon, and I will
have to attend the bullshit book launch of my uncle instead. " , Joshita made faces
and almost threw off her brush in frustration.

Devasena though was hardly interested in her blabber, something just sank in.

" Your uncle, Mr Randhir Lamba...the great historian right? "

Joshita now returned her indifferent stares. " Not any great with some superlatives
okay? He's making me miss interesting stuffs of hot humans, and I hate him. "

But here Devasena's eyes glittered. " Can I join the book launch? "

Joshita's jaw dropped a hundred feet down.

Devasena sat before Randhir Lamba, smiling, who now signed a copy of his new
book, on some underwater missions that held significance to Indian history. The
book launch was over for almost half an hour now. And it was eight in the night.

Joshita's house too was one of those ethnic houses that belonged to rich humans,
and theirs was a joint family, her uncle was elder than her father and obviously
almost a celebrity with fifteen books to his name, two of which received some
international awards and almost every other created some buzz.

The book launch happened in the house itself.

Joshita had introduced Devasena to him, and was now momentarily gone indoors to
freshen up. Devasena was served coffee and samosas already.

" Maahishmathi... “, Randhir took a long moment to re utter the word. " we have a
very little information about the kingdom which once definitely used to be really
huge. But then...mostly internal wars destroyed the clan so much beyond repair,
that the kingdom itself got almost erased not only from land, but also from history.
"

Randhir slowly got up and walked to the single shelf in the living room that
contained books. Devasena guessed the presence of the original library elsewhere.

Randhir said while running eyes through every row. " I have read the book by Lord
Cantabelle. He did a decent job. Took effort to rewrite bits from an almost burnt
and destroyed palace, and people who ceased to exist. A mighty kingdom...just
vanished. "

He returned from the shelf and took seat again, saddening Devasena. She believed
he was looking for the book.

Randhir must have guessed her mind. " I read the book almost thirty years back.
And I don't exactly remember if I owned the book or borrowed it from someone,
chances of the second being higher. The book had a limited number of copies and
wasn't ever edited. Historians and some diggers of the past, took interest in it. "

Devasena very slowly asked. " What does the book contain?"

Did she tremble a bit within?

Randhir strangely looked at her. " History...of some dynasties."

" I mean...how did this one destroy so devastatingly? "

" see...it's been a long time and I hardly remember details. I somehow can rag my
brain to only yield this much.

Amarendra Baahubali was a descendent of the clan. He was the king to be, and
was immensely loved by the commoners of Maahishmathi because of his
compassionate nature. He was a skilled warrior as well, his arm strength led to his
name, Baahubali. "

Devasena's ears burnt, already.

"...but unfortunately, Amarendra couldn't be a king, because of the conspiracy of
his cousin brother, and his father. Amarendra was murdered. He left behind his
one-day old son, and his wife, Devasena. "

Devasena gagged. She was suffocating.

" ...After he died, Devasena was taken hostage by the cousin who had by then
become the king, but Devasena's son was saved by Rajmata Shivagami, who
transferred him to some tribes. Mahendra returned after twenty-five years, freed
his mother and killed his father's murderer, his uncle. He was crowned the king,
got married, had a son. When the son was fifteen, Mahendra was mysteriously
murdered too. The murderer wasn't even caught when Rajmata Devasena burnt
herself at the temples. Meanwhile, the temple's priest and his son were also
murdered. The spree of deaths almost had shaken the foundations of
Maahishmathi. They had lost their king, and Rajmata. Soon after that, the wise
beings of the kingdom said, the throne couldn't be left empty. Hence, even at
fifteen, Mahendra's son Virendra sat on the throne. But people doubted on his
abilities, and also his mother's who too belonged to a tribe and was a great
warrior, but did not run blue blood in veins.

But god had some other plans. On the very day of 'rajtilak', the fortress
unbelievably caught fire. This never happened in history that a fortress completely
turned to ashes, and no one could even come out to be saved alive, because of a
fire... "

Randhir stopped and took a deep breath.

Devasena sat, motionless, speechless.

" People of Maahishmathi could never accept Mahendra and Devasena's death, and
they sadly rather shamefully believed, they took their kingdom along...to heaven.
"

Devasena almost breathlessly uttered, " did anyone have an idea as to

who...murdered them? "

Randhir smiled. " you got it right. Rajmata Devasena too was supposedly murdered.
No one exactly knew what happened on the insides because hardly anyone
survived. But maybe Lord Cantabelle gathered something that turned the entire
suspicion to two people...the cousin's father, who was still alive...and... Maharani
Avanthika. "

Throughout the way back home, only five words echoed through Devasena's mind
and body.

Devasena...

Amarendra...

Maahishmathi...

Murder... And...

Avanthika!!!!!

Devasena entered her PG room, and never before had she had this feeling. She
though very well knew, this Avanthika wasn't that Avanthika, and though she
wanted to believe, this Devasena wasn't that Devasena, a chill, a fear ran down
her spine.

Maharani Avanthika might have murdered Rajmata Devasena...

Devasena thumped on the sofa. A hum emerged from the washroom indicating
Avanthika was home already. Devasena almost held her breath. Suddenly her eyes
caught a thing on the table. She slowly picked the thing up. A ring.

Devasena turned it back and forth, and then her eyes caught a symbol embossed
on it.

She didn't at all know why, she shrieked, threw off the ring and jumped up. The
lights inside the room went out. Terrified, Devasena stumbled onto a very cold
thing that someone held on her back from behind. Devasena closed her eyes in life
losing fear.

Someone whispered into her ears...

" Rajmata Devasena, death is your only prize. "

The very next moment, the entire PG shook with a deafening sound, while a bullet
left a revolver.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

" Deva! Deva!!!!!! "

Devasena springed up to find, she was lying unconscious on the sofa, and Avanthika
bent over her with a glass of water she mostly was sprinkling on her face.

Devasena stood up straight, and stared terrified at Avanthika. Avanthika, utterly

surprised and exhausted, came forward to hug a stiff Devasena. She kept
murmuring, " What's wrong Devasena? Why are you behaving so strange these days?
"

Slowly, the hug soothed Devasena, she relaxed and the very next moment her arms
passed around Avanthika. She couldn't doubt the girl who always took care of her
like a mother. She suddenly hated herself for behaving so drastic.

Avanthika said she was in the washroom when she heard a scream. She rushed out
only to find Devasena lying unconscious on the sofa, blabbering something
illegible.

All Devasena remembered was she losing consciousness after a loud noise, mostly
having a feeling of death. She could however understand it to be a momentary
illusion as an aftermath of a story having their namesakes.

However, Devasena knew she had seen a ring. And that was too clear to be an
illusion, and yet nowhere to be seen, to be true.

Devasena however didn't at all tell Avanti about her visit to the historian, because
she didn't want to be judged again by her. She rather asked for sedatives.
Avanthika took them almost regularly.
When Devasena woke up it was five in the morning. Avanthika lay fast asleep, she
mostly had stayed up late for her thesis. Devasena however couldn't waste more
time. She had to rush...to the man in question.

" I leave for London tonight. Work calls. "

Amarendra lit a cigarette with Devasena's permission. And she still was not able to
convey what she knew. Moreover, now this drastic announcement.

She stared as if thunderstruck, while he stared somewhere else.

" You leave tonight? “, utter surprise mixed with distress marked her voice. To this
Amarendra looked into her eyes.

"Devasena, I know I should stay... I know I should help you. But...is there a use? I
can tell you everything. I know anyone can...like historians maybe? Like books
maybe? But...that's not how it works you know. Unless you... "

Amarendra stopped. Devasena grabbed the sofa cover. She felt a turmoil inside
and that hurt.

" ... Unless you believe things by heart, unless you hear things happen, see
everything I had seen... "

Devasena blurted out... " how do you know I'm the Devasena you're looking for?
Just because I have her face and by chance her name? “, Devasena knew very well
it was much more than having just a face or a name. But...how could he know how
she felt?

Amarendra fell silent. Devasena continued. " Amarendra was Devasena's husband. I
know! But that doesn't just connect any Amarendra and Devasena!!! "

Amarendra sat still for a long time, creating mountains of impatience within
Devasena.

Then he stood up. " that's why I leave. We shouldn't live in the past. Should we?
You never did. And I move on. You're free to leave. "
Her impatience now flowed down her cheeks as rivers. He kept staring. She stood
up and walked close to him, her breathing fastened once again. Her jaws firm, she
uttered, " since I met you, I'm living in something I don't have an answer to. If that
is my past, you are responsible for pulling me back. Now... You... Cannot...leave
me drowning. "

Their faces were so close to each other now that they could hear their breaths.
And neither of them blinked.

Amarendra slowly broke the eye lock and stepped back.

" I have been living in the past since I was born. And no one pulled me. I jumped
into it. Myself. "

Amarendra walked upto a staircase and sat on its first step.

" ...I had no one to help me out. I knew nothing of the visions I had. I was brought
up in a country that gave me no glimpse of what I had in my subconscious. And I
was so small then. As I grew, I couldn't confide to just anyone about it. Only my
sister, but she too didn't believe. People thought I imagine a lot. And that's all
about everything. Then I grew up completely, and all my visions had joined by then
to make up an entire story. Story of a man who was never crowned... "

Devasena slowly sat down. She felt tired.

" I started looking for the man... Internet was of no help. I stormed through
libraries, even joined classes of world histories. The anxiousness kept eating me
away as it grew day after day. No one to walk upto and say, 'I'm not normal, my
soul has stories I don't know.' I felt so lonely at times... And those were the times I
just pacified myself, that the man's woman too must have been undergoing the
same, somewhere ... "

If only she did...for so long.

Amarendra looked at Devasena who now stared at the floor. She felt him getting
up and walk towards her. She looked up.

" Let's go. "

" Where? "

" Maahishmathi. "

The journey from Bhopal to Ujjain was uneventful. Amarendra had booked two
seats at a Volvo, that shuttled up and down the places. Throughout the journey
beside Amarendra, Devasena felt a strange calm. It was seven in the morning when
they started, and she didn't care to inform anyone. Not because she didn't care
about anyone, it seemed she cared the most about...her past? Or the man? She
didn't know.

Amarendra time and again offered her foods, drinks. She accepted some and
declined others. She noticed, he was a gentleman in its truest sense, and he took
good care of the woman to his responsibility. Not that Devasena needed men...but
she felt beautiful. Once more. He drove back the curtains to the window when the
scorching sunrays almost burnt Devasena. And Devasena knew he was an introvert,
though he could just help anyone and everyone if need be.

And she remembered Lamba's words every moment... " he was loved by his
commoners because of his compassionate nature... "

And he was murdered...

Devasena hid drops of tears that escaped her eyes time and again, while
Amarendra spoke nothing of the past, but only a bit of his present...in London.

" How did you find me? “, Devasena asked, suddenly. And Amarendra smiled but
fell completely silent. They didn't talk for the rest of the time. Disappointed,
Devasena slowly dosed off, unknowingly on the shoulder of Her Man.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

They stood a distance apart from the huge gates of a huger ruins.

Maahishmathi didn't even have its name anymore, it was just a part of Ujjain that
had no other name. People only had a name for the ruins. " Raakh mahal " or Ash
palace. The fire played its part.
No one had permission to get into the ruins, except archaeologists or workers
maybe, after written applications to central government. Because it was
dangerous.

Devasena watched the almost demolished palace, her heart paced like never
before. She felt her chest wall would explode. Amarendra on the other hand,
slowly walked away to the banks of Narmada, that flowed just beside the ruins.

Devasena followed suit.

She couldn't stand there alone. She as if could still feel the warmth of the flames
that took innumerable lives centuries back.

" You too couldn't get in? "

" I'm a doctor. Not an archaeologist. “, Amarendra adjusted his shades.

" Then... "

" I know every corner of the palace Devasena. I've seen everything that doesn’t
exist anymore... "

Devasena now hated this feel. No matter what, no matter how close they got, a
strange line popped up between. A timeline. She felt he existed in a different
century. And was only interested in the Devasena of that century. She held no
value because she didn't remember her past.

An immense sorrow pulped up her throat. Though she didn't know what
significance his taking interest in her held for her, she felt hurt, she felt broken,
she felt helpless.

She clenched her fist and stared at Narmada, trying to calm herself.

" Come. "

Amarendra held out his hand towards her. And she looked at him, her brows
together. She didn't hold his hand, but gestured that she was ready to follow him.

The curio shop owner, Mr Lakhani said that his eyesight was weakening, but not his
memory. He was very eager in talking about the Maahishmathi kingdom as he
knew. Amarendra wasn't much interested in his stories, he rather asked him to
show stuffs of Maahishmathi if any, to Devasena.

Devasena though was very interested in stories.

" unfortunately, almost every little thing I had of Maahishmathi, I sold to a friendly
curio shop owner in Bhopal. Because the stuffs were minimal, and not many people
took interest. Three paintings and some little stuffs never caught any attention
until he came just a year back, and took everything away. And he paid in good too.
“, Mr Lakhani chuckled.

Devasena looked at Amarendra, almost done. However, she found nothing that
distressed him. He rather shoved through things in the shop in general.

Suddenly he asked, " didn't anything related to Maahishmathi get in here within the
last few days? "

To this, Mr Lakhani thought for a while. Then as if remembering spontaneously he

said, " yeah... Just yesterday a person came and almost forcibly sold to me a
sculpture. No doubt it's beautiful, but my shop stores antiques. Not craftswork. "

" What sculpture? "

Amarendra came forward.

The man shoved through a shelf. Upon not finding, he called for someone else, a
boy around twenties who came from the insides and brought out from a corner, a
sculpture that was only about fifteen centimetres tall, but was brilliantly done.
The sculpture was of an armoured man, with a typical headpiece, that was less of
a crown and more of a shield. The man's face was not very distinctly made though,
but it made Devasena look at Amarendra once, thoroughly examining his face.
Amarendra too examined the sculpture.
Devasena looked back at the armour. And immediately her eyes caught a symbol
embossed in the middle of the armour.

Where had she seen that symbol?

She felt the turmoil again. To suppress it he quickly asked Mr Lakhani. " What
symbol is this? "

" it is the symbol of the Maahishmathi clan. The sculpture is of the greatest
descendent of the clan, Amarendra Baahubali, who met an unfortunate end. "

Amarendra looked at Devasena. Devasena looked at Amarendra. And she couldn't

describe how she felt now, when his lips slowly curved in a smile. Never in her life
had she had such a feel.

Suddenly out of the blue, the boy in his twenties, who for a long time was trying to
recall the face of the woman before him, shouted... " ohhh my god!!!! You look
exactly like Rajmata Devasena! "

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Devasena was running. She didn't know why. She didn't know where to. But she was
running. For a long time now, until she fell, completely exhausted, gasping for
breath.

No one stopped her while she ran, no one called her from the back. But when she
fell, he came and sat beside him.

Devasena looked at him, her eyes welling up and streaming down now. "
Amarendra... I am tired... "

Amarendra looked into her eyes, and the stare reflected so much. " Why did you
run Devasena? "

" I... I am afraid... I... I will disappoint everyone. I... I am... I am not Rajmata
Devasena... I... I... remember nothing... “, and with this Devasena broke up into
an immense wail, that choked her and yet seemed to be her only outlet. She cried,
because she hadn't ever been so alone.

Amarendra slowly wrapped his hand across her shoulder.

" You are my strong woman. These tears don't suit you. But remember one thing, I
absolutely feel you. And I don't blame your tears. "

Devasena looked into him. " They...they stared at me as if I was a museum

artefact. As if I just walked out of the painting they had in their shop. I... I
couldn't stand before their eyes. "

Amarendra nodded his head and brought out a kerchief. Devasena didn't take it.
She rather slowly removed his hands from around her shoulder. " you will leave. I
don't need your support. "

Devasena got up. It was supposedly a garden, and she went and sat on a bench.
Amarendra too got up and took a seat beside. Devasena wiped her tears with the
back of her palm, still sniffing.

" I found you on Facebook. Looking for Devasena everywhere had become my habit.
And suddenly one day I discovered your newly created profile. The name, the face,
and the caption to the profile picture, ' If I love someone, I can be his slave. But
not his captive. '

I knew the very moment, it was you. "

They both looked into each other’s eyes, Devasena trying to judge the utterly calm
features of the man, and the significance of the caption.

" That was almost the first night I slept without pills. "

" I... Didn't get you. The caption? "

Amarendra nodded again.

" That was the last thing you had told to me before we left Kunthala, your
kingdom. "

Kunthala...

Why? Why even did a cool breeze lighten her heart suddenly? Why did the name
ripple down her skin, shivering her in the better way from within? Why did a smile
light up her face as she slowly pronounced, "Kunthala... “?

As if flying to somewhere else, the name created before her the image of a white
kingdom shielded with white clouds... She closed her eyes while she kept chanting,
"Kunthala... "

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Devasena picked up the call.

" Where the hell are you? “, Avanthika shouted on top of her lungs. She continued
shouting while Devasena distanced the phone from her eardrums and kept blinking
her eyes hoping for her to end soon.

It was afternoon and she and Amarendra were sitting at a dhaba, having lunch.

" Avanti... I am sorry baby... I was feeling so bad at home that I decided to visit
Ujjain. What?... Yeah... Yeah alone obviously... “, she stole a glance at Amarendra
who didn't budge and was busy with his own phone.

" what? Ohh...suddenly? When will you return? Ohh... Okay, day after tomorrow.
Awww! I won't even be able to meet you now! I am so sorry darling... Okay I'll keep
calling you... Yeah fine... Yeah... Bring me a gown no! Yeah... Yeah... Haha...
Okay okay bye love you. "

She dropped the call. Avanthika was leaving for Mumbai on a two days' trip.

Why was everyone leaving suddenly?

Amarendra stirred. " I read from the book, my son married an Avanthika. “, he
smiled.

Was this necessary now? A tremendous amount of discomfort returned.

She didn't tell him about her visit to Mr Lamba. But she was sure that Amarendra
too knew about what maharani avanthika was suspected of.

And hence she changed the topic.

" Why did I say that to you? The caption? Did you want to take me a hostage? “,
Devasena asked, and she herself was surprised that her voice had more of a tease
than a query.

Amarendra's smile widened. And Devasena had already noticed how good he looked
wearing that smile. She hadn't seen a more innocent face.

And she had also known, his wide smile meant he was not ready to answer any
longer.

They boarded a bus at 4, which was supposed to reach Bhopal by 9.

" 1 am. “, Amarendra smiled when Devasena asked about his flight.

Devasena fell silent after that. She knew an unnecessary depression was pulling
her in. Why even?

She looked at Amarendra who had slept off, and she kept looking at him.
Amarendra - Devasena, together, yet miles apart.

She felt as if she was in an exam hall, and she had forgotten everything she read.
Devasena looked away. Staring at the man wasn't good for her health, and she was
realising that every moment she stayed with him. Because, he was leaving. And
she had no reason to hold him back. She didn't qualify in his eyes.
A big sigh escaped her heart. She knew how alone she would feel back at home
now without Avanthika around.

But the very thought of something else almost churned her heart out.

Amarendra won't be anywhere in Bhopal from tomorrow.

" Can I... call you? "

Devasena stared at him with a million doubts.

Amarendra had come to drop her off at the PG. He smiled again.

" Why not? "

Devasena let go the breath she was holding. And smiled back. Amarendra
prompted and she saved his number.

He looked at the watch.

" I take your leave now. "

Suddenly, without even she herself being warned, a tremendous gush of emotion
threw Devasena off and she hugged Amarendra, tighter than ever. He was not
ready for this too. But within seconds he reciprocated, hugging her back.

Devasena slowly came out of the grip. Her eyes welling, her fair cheeks and nose
red.

Amarendra cuddled her head, and she felt like wailing again.

" tell me one thing, how did you believe that I am Amarendra Baahubali? "
Devasena stopped weeping and stared at him, taken aback.

" That painting of yours... "

Amarendra smiled again.

" That painting, was made by me. When I was seventeen. No curator found any
painting of any male descendent from the palace. Strange but true. "

Devasena faintly remembered that now, someone had told her that. And, a million
questions hung in her brain, making her utterly uncomfortable.

" exactly this. I don't want this cloud of disbelief on your face Devasena. You don't
need to trust me; neither depend on me for anything. Goodbye! "

Amarendra turned to go. As his silhouette receded down the road, Devasena felt
as if a part of her soul escaped, and she sat down on the barren road, cursing her
life which seemed so beautiful till date.

The boarding announcements made Amarendra spring to his feet and head towards
Gate number seven of international departures. And with that his phone began
vibrating vigorously.

It was 12:30.

Devasena Calling.

Amarendra swiped the answer button.

" Come outside Amarendra. Please for god's sake!!!! "

Devasena's voice had an anxiety that uneased Amarendra. He looked at his watch.

" But...the boarding announcements have been made Devasena... I have to... "
" Please Amarendra, please! You...don't understand what I'm going through. Please
come out for once, I won't stop you once you have listened to me... "

Confused, Amarendra chose to head towards the exit gate.

A single glimpse of Amarendra made Devasena almost tear through the departure
crowd. She crashed stop before him, vigorously gasping.

" What happened? ", Amarendra asked, concerned.

Devasena came close, looked into his eyes and uttered, " Don't leave me again
Amarendra! Life without you was hell, and I cannot endure hell any more. I...
Remember... Everything. "

A thunderstorm rose the very moment, lightning tore the sky apart, and it began
raining.

Everyone took shade as the rain paced up, apart from two lone souls who stood
face to face, completely drenched. And neither of them shifted their gaze from
the other.

" you don't believe me... I know... “, Devasena slowly uttered.

The rain cut off her soft voice, and Amarendra Kept staring as if he didn't hear.

" I... I... "

Amarendra immediately placed his index finger on her lips, shutting them up, and
she could sense herself electrified again till he removed his finger.

***

Amarendra slowly wound her with a shawl he brought out from his luggage, as they
somehow got a cab. Both of them were drenched to the core. And Devasena
shivered, to which Amarendra did that. Devasena smiled as she wound it around,
tighter.
" I am... sorry...

You had to stay... “, Devasena didn't really know what she was supposed to say
now. Because she was almost dangling in mid-air.

Did she really remember ‘everything'?

After Amarendra left, Devasena couldn't contain the turmoil within her at all. She
felt utter restless, giddy, light headed. Water, air, tea, nothing helped. She
switched off the lights to the room and lay straight on bed, streams flowing down
the corner of her eyes as she closed them up.

And then she had a detailed vision.

She was supposedly lying inside a hut on a bed, and her body ached like hell. She
hadn't felt such a life taking pain ever. The next moment, she found village nurses
or dais sitting beside her and trying to pacify her. So... She was pregnant.

Suddenly, the door opened, and... and...

Amarendra got in. The man, in question.

She felt herself shooting up from the bed when Amarendra sat beside her, his face
stern yet composed. In a deep voice he uttered, " I need to go. They've captivated
Mama... "

Devasena felt a gush of emotion rise through her. A feeling of emptiness. Yet she
stayed firm. " Bring him back. He had promised to raise my child in his arms. "

Amarendra smiled in agreement, and placed a small peck on her forehead.

And... left. The pain of which overcame even labor pain. Throughout the
proceedings of the labor, Devasena felt numb. No, she had never feared for her
man. Because he was capable of everything. And till mama was with him, no one
could even touch him. Devasena knew, yet...
The cry of a baby brought her back to reality. Everyone in the room was now
giggling, as Devasena slowly got up, her face lighting up like never before.

" Here... take him ma...”, the dai placed the baby on her lap.

Motherhood, could something be more beautiful? Devasena had always believed,

nothing could be more beautiful than being Amarendra Baahubali's wife. But today
she knew, nothing could be more beautiful than being his son's mother. She nudged
the baby, pecked his slippery forehead, and then placed him back on the dais arms
for cleaning.

Now all she had to do was to wait for him and mama to return. What would he do
on seeing their son!? She couldn't just imagine. Probably he would play shehnai,
and drums, and dance all night, and... hug her tight, thank her for everything, and
kiss her. She blushed, turning completely red.

Just then the door slammed open, and Raghu stood, his eyes almost popping out,
and he gasping for breath

Devasena shouted, horrified, " What's wrong Raghu? "

After a million efforts, after choking a thousand times, he could utter... " baba is
no more ma... They killed him...”, and burst to a village rendering wail.

Devasena's world went blank, forever.

And Devasena Sehgal's vision ended.

****

Amarendra cupped his face, while Devasena kept staring. All she now knew was,
she could remember everything, like everything. But she needed Amarendra by her
side. He couldn't just leave.

Amarendra raised his head. " I... am... just too glad today Devasena. You have
finally stepped into my shoes. I too didn't remember everything at a go. That's not
possible. This... "
" Who is mama? "

They sat at Shreebhumi now, the rains still pouring hard and the thunder splitting
the sky apart.

Amarendra rested his back on the sofa and stared at the immensely tall ceiling. "
Mama... Katappa mama... You will yourself know. Just give yourself some time. "

Katappa? That's a name? Devasena wondered but kept mum.

" He left Devasena when she needed him the most. “, she said after sometime.

Amarendra looked at her, and got up to take seat just beside her. She looked into
him too.

The man in her vision felt completely like the man beside her, comfortable, calm,
serene. She had no doubt that the Devasena was she and the Amarendra was he.
She could now happily hug him and cry. But maybe both of them needed some
more time. Maybe she herself. To know Amarendra Baahubali completely. And the
amount of joy she should feel being Devasena, with his return from the dead.

" Did you feel her turmoil?"

Devasena nodded slowly. " I did."

Amarendra kept staring. His eyes seemed to be looking for something else. More
desperation maybe. Yes, Devasena was desperate, but more in the absence of him
beside her. Now she felt more at peace.

" Amarendra, I am desperate to know everything. But you want me to feel myself.
I'll wait, since having visions is not my wish. I need to feel every inch of Amarendra
Baahubali, to be desperate about him. "

Amarendra now looked straight for a long time, and then smiled. And the smile
meant so much!
" I can wait. "

" You remember everything. Are you desperate? “, Devasena counter questioned.

Amarendra answered after sometime. " I died without feeling my son. Could it be
worse? "

Devasena went silent.

******

They now stood before Amarendra's painting in a room that looked the eeriest to
Devasena the very first day, but now with all the lights, it looked so pure and fine.
Amarendra brought down the painting from the wall. " Sometimes semi darkness
and a creepy feeling makes you see the subconscious. I had only wanted that, the
very first day. “, Amarendra's voice sounded guilty, but Devasena could only smile.
She herself felt sorry for talking harsh to him that day, and she couldn't even say
that to him now.

" You are one hell with oils. “, her instincts led her across the portrait, and she
used her painter veil to run fingers across the forehead and the cheeks, the beard
and hair of Amarendra Baahubali of the picture, if not the man beside him.

" Not more than you. “, Amarendra uttered and Devasena lifted her fingers away.
It wasn't time to go overboard with her emotions.

She very well knew, Amarendra waited for his Devasena, and she was still in the
process of making. She couldn't let emotions take the upper hand.

Devasena slowly left the room leaving behind a surprised Amarendra.

*****

A figure entered the prayer room of the temple, a secluded place for Rajmata
Devasena's daily meditation for an hour. The room was guarded on the outsides,
and no one got in or out while she prayed.
But a figure entered the room that day, breaking Devasena's meditation. She kept
staring at the figure while she spread oil throughout the room before her eyes. She
judged things and got up, " Have you gone insane? “, she uttered. And before she
could further say anything, a matchstick flared up before her eyes. Terrified,
Devasena ran towards the only entrance where the figure stood now, and pushed
her back with a monstrous force. Devasena fell on the fire, while the figure left,
locking the only entrance from outside.

With an immense wail, Devasena sat up on the bed. Her eyes falling out of the
sockets.

She had seen the figure clearly enough.

Avanthika.

Avanthika...Mohan!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Avanthika paced up and down her hotel room. The conference throughout the day
should have drained her completely but it didn't. She rather grew more anxious as
moments ticked away, and she finally settled on the bed to gather some peace.

How many years had it been since she was taking those sleeping pills? Almost three
now. And yet she could hardly sleep. Again.

Damn.

She checked her phone. It was 8 in the night. And yet she hadn't received the call
she was desperately waiting for. And though she was desperate enough, she
couldn't call time and again. After all he was a big deal.

Avanthika threw the phone away. She pressed her temple, it was aching bad. And
all she could do was take a paracetamol but she hated medicines these days. They
so hardly helped.
Almost three years back, when she used to sleep peacefully at her home in Daman,
one night she had a dream which was too distinct to be a dream, and equally
horrifying. She could see herself dressed tip-top in a royal attire, and not only
that, she was burning someone alive. How gross! How sickening! The typical thing
was that, the face of that someone was blurred. The following day Avanthika
gagged time and again and felt like feeding on nothing. The doctor prescribed her
some low dosed stress relievers when she blamed academics for her illness.
Because she herself wasn't sure of what she had exactly visioned and why.

A few following days offered her some peaceful sleep, which suddenly one day got
completely shattered when throughout the night she dreamt of something that
turned out to be the complete story of a kingdom named Maahishmathi. She could
visualise everyone, everyone except for three people...three people she
murdered. And being said that so easily, it wasn't at all easy for her when she
repeatedly began visualising the exact story.

She told mom, she told dad, and all they had to offer belonging to a typical middle
class mentality was to stop watching idiotic movies and reading horror stories.

And Avanthika knew, that was not it. Not at all.

She consulted psychiatrists, and they were always the best with therapies, but like
everyone else, she couldn't open up everything to them. And whatever little she
did, that was absolutely considered a complication of her brain and nothing else.
She stopped visiting for therapies when they hardly worked.

Rather... She began looking for the faces in the story she had by then learnt by
heart. She had known, the murders she committed were for her son, who was
going to be deprived by his grandmother. And being a mother, she could never
afford that.

However much, she felt no homesickness for the royal character with her face, she
was merely an audience. She had also known that her husband was murdered, and
though she couldn't believe that his mother killed him, she finally did that too.

She was called Avanthika, her husband Mahendra...her son Virendra...and her
mother-in-law whose face was never clear to her even after so many visions, was
called Rajmata Devasena...
After almost a year of immense discomfort, Avanthika shifted to Bhopal for her
studies, and got a room at a PG which was already occupied by a sweet girl. Co-
intentionally her name too, was Devasena. Initially Avanthika time and again tried
to share her story, but backed out. And Devasena seemed a very genuine and cute
girl, so much so that with time, sedatives and Devasena worked together and her
discomfort totally disappeared.

Until, she joined White Club few months later, and accidentally read a book she
shouldn't have read. And the discomfort totally returned. But, yeah...it
disappeared again, that's how was Devasena's companionship. Avanthika wanted
and almost could delete everything she had witnessed for a year. She stopped
searching for Mahendra too...on social medias.

And then one day almost a year later, Devasena enquired of Maahishmathi. And
Avanthika froze. She didn't disappoint her though, she took her to white club and
searched for the book, though luckily they didn't find then. Momentarily flowing
with emotions she even talked of their namesakes. But who would know...that
night itself she would recapitulate the entire story, and the blurred face would
take the form of Devasena Sehgal?

Avanthika knew, what slept inside Devasena was arising, and she couldn't afford
that. Devasena was her dearest friend, and past life couldn't crop up between
them, in which they were far from friends.

Avanthika stole the book from the library the following day, and burnt it like a fool
in the room itself, anyways... She couldn't afford to lose Devasena at any cost.

And just then, a man made his entry into the picture. Those eyes, that face, that
smile. She saw him at the White Club's cafeteria the very day Devasena talked of
how an Amarendra was stalking her. She sent a message to him too, in vain.

After that, she started following him. She came to know this was the Amarendra
Devasena talked of, and though she knew Amarendra Baahubali looked like
Mahendra, she couldn't just believe the extent of similarity. She pacified herself
time and again that this was definitely Mahendra, she even followed him to a curio
shop and bought a ring. And soon she realised, she was flowing into the skin of
former avanthika, which was definitely not something great. But she just couldn't
help. One evening after her classes, she decided to break the thing.

Also by then she had known a breathtaking fact. Adway Mathur, the great sculptor,
looked exactly like Bhallaldeva...and she now knew that the lookalikes were hardly
coincidental.
Avanthika had already once visited Shreebhumi to take back Devasena from his
clutches, because she hardly wanted her to remember anything. But how long
could she protect her now?

Amarendra welcomed her very dearly.

But when she straightaway came to her suspicion of him being Mahendra and not
Amarendra, he turned firm. Yet smiled. Avanthika then opened up everything of
what she knew of what Rajmata Devasena had done to her son, and how she had
no other choice that to kill her, as a mother. Amarendra didn't react to this too.
Rather, he calmly said, he didn't know this part of the story and was waiting for
Devasena to remember everything. He said he didn't believe that Devasena could
do anything drastic. Avanthika had shattered to this.

He even added, he trusted Avanthika and believed that when he won't be around
soon, Avanthika wouldn't harm her dearest friend because of a life that had ended.
And Avanthika had cried. She definitely couldn't do anything to this Devasena,
because she was not the She. And Avanthika didn't want her to become one.

Avanthika left the palace with a heartbroken to million pieces, but before leaving
she said, " if you are Amarendra, you should definitely be aware of the fact that
Bhallaldeva is back too. And he won't spare you again. "

Amarendra had smiled, again.

That night Devasena behaved strange, she fainted mostly on seeing the ring
Avanthika had accidentally left on the table grossly, and she repented later. She
knew she couldn't save Devasena anymore...

**

The phone began ringing and Avanthika shot up from the bed. The much awaited
phone call...

" Hello! Am I speaking to Avanthika Mohan? Please come down to the lounge
ma'am, sir is waiting for you."
" Should I be afraid of her now?"

" I don't see a reason. She's your friend, and...and she may resemble someone,
even have her name but...who knows maybe that's just a coincidence... "

" ... I am so confused; my life is going down the gutter with each passing day
Amarendra! "

" ...listen Devasena, you cannot run away from anything. Neither your past, nor
your present. You yourself can feel now, you are remembering things more often.
And a day will come when you will know the entire story of your life... And no one
knows it more than you. Amarendra Baahubali met Devasena when she was twenty-
three, and left her when she was twenty-four. Do you expect him to help you etch
a story of your life? "

" hmm... (sigh)... I understand. But what I dreamt of, paused my heart for a long
time...

Avanthika is such a home to me, such a confidence... I cannot imagine her to be...
"

" ...don't cry Devasena, your tears seem to be judging your friendship. She may be
absolutely harmless! "

" ...maybe? She is harmless Amarendra! She has saved me from harms till date!!!! "

" Exactly so Devasena! You know what? Let us even consider for a second that she's
our daughter-in-law Avanthika who murdered the former Devasena. But for god's
sake, please don't expect the soul that transmitted to carry along with it, the
'mayas'! The soul is the purest, and is free of all confinements. Love, hatred,
happiness, sorrow, lust, desire...the soul is free of everything...

Do you get what I mean? "

" I do. But I don't know one thing now, if the soul is bereft of love, shall Devasena
ever get back her Amarendra as a possession of her last life? Or does he need to
fall in love with her, all over again? "
Amarendra fell silent, and the corner of Devasena's eyes sparkled.

**

" Please excuse us Vibhu. “, Adway directed this to his personal assistant mostly,
who stood stuck to them like a leech until now, and that disgusted Avanthika. She
heaved a sigh of relief.

The hotel Avanthika was in for her conference, Vijay Park, housed two halls, and
while she attended the seminar on Iconology and Symbology, the seminar on
sculpting next door flagged Adway Mathur as the chief orator.

And Avanthika couldn't let this go. She had taken effort to meet him before either
of the seminars began and had managed to gather a meet up slot.

As she sat before him and hesitated to begin a discussion, Adway assured her some
comfort by ensuring it was only two of them now.

He was a gentleman.

Avanthika cleared her throat.

" I actually... I don't really know how I should begin...

Just as I said, I am Devasena's roommate, and you know her... “, she paused.

Adway was slowly nodding, and then reciprocated, " yes... I do know her, she's my
dad's most favourite student to be precise. “, he smiled.

" ...that's all? I mean...do you know her only as your father's student? "

Adway kept smiling, but his brows came slightly together. " Sorry? "

Avanthika backed off, and took a deep breath. This was difficult. How should she
start?
" I heard from Devasena that your dad calls you by a cute nickname. May I know
what it is? "

Adway now looked really confused. He stirred on his chair. They sat in a private
cubicle at the restaurant of the hotel. " Madam, I am really not sure what we are
discussing. "

Avanthika pursed her lips. She had to directly jump on the point now, and mostly
this Adway would disappoint her. Or rather, relieve her maybe?

" Bhallaldeva. Do you know any such name? "

" Bhallaldeva? Not exactly. My dad calls me Bhalla though, that's just cause when I
was a baby, I used to giggle so much when a cartoon played on the television,
'Bhallaraam' that he began calling me that, and I reciprocated. Anyways, what's the
issue? ", he sipped a coffee that just arrived.

Avanthika stared at him for some time, not smiling at all. And then very coldly
replied, " So you remember nothing of your past life? "

Adway stopped stirring his coffee and kept staring back, slowly falling back on the
chair. While neither of them broke the eye lock, Adway read Avanthika from head
to toe, and uttered finally, " Who are you? "

" Avanthika."

" I heard that. And not a name I ask for. What do you have to do with my past life?
"

" Fine. I don't want you to remember that. And most importantly, I don't want you
to find a way to my friend, if at all you remember anything. Is that clear?"

Adway grew sterner than ever. Not that it frightened Avanthika, but she now
knew, he might not disappoint her, or yes maybe?

" You sound no one I should follow commands of. If at all you have something to
offer, that can only be your identity. "
Avanthika took another deep breath.

" I will only reveal my identity if you reveal to me, that you remember even an
ounce of your life as a king! "

" Oh god will you please stop testing me? I end this discussion here itself. Vibh... "

" Amarendra Baahubali and Devasena's daughter-in-law, Mahendra's wife,

Avanthika. That used to be my identity. "

Adway Mathur began calming down. And that was evident. All the muscles of his
face that had contracted had now began relaxing back, his eyes grew soft and
something else gained place in them.

Guilt? Avanthika couldn't judge.

" Ma...hendra's wife... “, Adway began murmuring, looking away. Avanthika knew,
finally she had found someone equally restless about a rebirth unlike, Amarendra.

Peace, Avanthika. She calmed herself.

" Why are you here? To punish me for my deeds? "

Avanthika pursed her lips. And said, " you received capital punishment. What
more? "

Adway stared questioningly.

Avanthika talked again, " Why should I punish you? You devastated someone else's
life more than mine. And if she doesn't remember anything about punishing you
and sorts, who am I? "

" but you remember...right? "

" are you still guilty? "

Adway began scratching the table. " throughout my life I have never wanted to
face my past. But since I saw Devasena, I couldn't contain my desire to sink before
her and ask for forgiveness. Death happened without redemption in a life I
committed only sins. But she remembers nothing. "

" thankfully. ", Avanthika settled more comfortably. Adway seemed really confused
with her words now.

" What if I tell you that the Devasena you knew was not an epitome of justice and
kindness? What if I say she murdered her son and compelled her daughter-in-law to
do the same to her? "

Adway's eyes widened.

" What? "

Avanthika bent forward a little, resting her hands on the table.

" I tell you a story tonight Adway. Not because I hate Devasena, but because I love
her. And I don't want you to be a reason to arouse any emotion against her again,
in this life. She's my asset, my bestest possession.

And one more thing, if at all you need to be forgiven, ask it from Amarendra
Baahubali, yes, he's back. "

Leaving behind almost a ghoststruck Adway, Avanthika began narrating a story of a

life, for the second time.
Avanthika's narration in a third person's POV

Five Hundred Years Back

---------------------------------------

Rajmata Devasena handed over the worship thali to Avanthika with a smile, while
she took it up, hesitant. While everyone else in the temple stared at her in a way
she couldn't comprehend, she obviously knew the stare lacked the amount of
respect they showered over Rajmata.

Under Rajmata's instructions, she performed the rituals of the Krishna Puja, though
time and again the priest wished for Rajmata to take back the thali from her. But
Devasena being Devasena, wouldn't ever do that. Avanthika at times felt proud of
her would- be - mother - in - law. She had spent her twenty-two years of life
almost in freeing her, and now time and again Rajmata did that to her, saved her
from the guilt of not being a royal descendent, but just an ordinary tribe.

After the puja, Rajmata called her to her room. Mahendra and

Katappa dada had gone for a trip round Maahishmathi. He needed to know his
people more closely, just like Amarendra Baahubali did, Rajmata Devasena had
said. After he returned, Avanthika and he would get married.

Rajmata Devasena made her sit on her bed. Avanthika was hesitant again. She had
still not felt at home in this palace. But Rajmata Devasena had left no stone
unturned to make her feel so. She had arranged for her stay within the palace
itself, and not in the guest wing on the other side. Most importantly, Rajmata had
made her stand at the coronation just beside Mahendra, like a queen, and with all
these, Avanthika could only love her more with each passing day. Devasena was
always her idol, and she felt proud of her choice.

Still, she at times felt like an outsider. Maybe just because she still wasn't married
to him, not his official queen, though Mahendra had always made her feel so,
actually more than that.

Devasena pulled her down to sit, and she now blushed. Devasena then handed over
her, an anklet.
" the last memory of your father-in-law. In captivation, I hadn't asked for anything
but this, I don't know why, Bhallaldeva allowed me to wear it. Maybe he felt, a
single memory would torture more than not any.”, her eyes sparkled. And
avanthika wanted to hug her tight. But...couldn't.

" wear this. You would know, he's blessing you that way. He would be happy to see,
Mahendra chose someone who is a brave warrior in herself, and even after knowing
he's a king, didn't let her go irrespective of her cast. "

Avanthika's heart thumped suddenly. Did it even stop for a second?

Avanthika at times knew, she always tended to draw out hidden meanings from
things that were very simple on outlook. Was she suffering from inferiority?

Devasena kept on saying, " I always knew, my son would return, but never in my
life had I believed, he would look exactly like his father. You know what? The first
time he ran towards me to break my shackles, I felt my Amarendra had returned. I
didn't know how to react! I forgot to shout, I forgot to cry! I only stared at him. I
knew he would return, but he returned better than I ever expected, and he did
what his father couldn't do...just because he was too good... "

Rajmata Devasena almost crumpled before her eyes, and Avanthika couldn't
comfort her in any way. She knew she should, but something just tied her up,
slowly but steadily.

Devasena gathered herself, she had always done that.

" when I met Amarendra, I loved him immediately almost. Not because he was a
supreme warrior, but because he was innocent despite being the best. And he
didn't boast. He could have easily asked for my hand. But he waited for me, till I
wouldn't myself say a no to him. He was confident, but not overconfident. “, her
voice turned hoarse again.

" ...and then fates turned, and I wish to forget scars. At Bhallaldeva's coronation
ceremony, I came to know the power of him, the thing he had for his men, and
they, for him. He had spent twenty-five years of his life for them, and once he
chose me over them, he had to give up everything ...his life as well.

You know what Avanthika? Love is a liability. "

Devasena stood up and went over to the window. And Avanthika stood freezed
more than ever. Mahendra didn't even know his men, and he already had chosen
her. Was Rajmata talking of her as his liability?

Devasena turned and walked to her. " Avanthika, my life has taught me a few
things. A wife should never let a husband leave behind everything for her only. In
the long run, she may have to lose her husband itself. Be my son's asset, not his
liability. "

**

The conversation with Devasena that evening raised a million questions in

Avanthika's mind. Not that she began disrespecting her, just that maybe she began
believing, Devasena didn't want her in Mahendra's life at least then. Maybe later,
maybe, but not then. And that made her a lot insecure. She almost confined
herself to the room she was allotted, and though now and then Rajmata summoned
her, but most of the times she would make excuses of being unwell and sorts, and
avoided the meet ups. She only waited for Mahendra to return, she only wished to
get married to him now.

A couple of weeks later, Devasena herself visited her, and she was extremely
embarrassed.

" Are you not doing well these days Avanthika? "

Avanthika stammered, and just then a person entered the room all of a sudden,
with guards running after him but he ignoring everyone.

Bijjaladeva.

Rajmata Devasena turned furious, but gestured the guards to stop. She distinctly
uttered, " Just because you have not been hanged to death, doesn't give you the
right to roam around my palace. You have been given a separate dwelling on the
outer wing. Take him away, guards! "

Avanthika too hated him.

But he began laughing like a monster, which continued for some time, and then
suddenly a sorrow took over his face. He stopped laughing completely.

" Devasena, I am your uncle, and most importantly I have lost my son. I know what
losing a dear one feels like, and I am ashamed of whatever I have done to you. I
would have never come upto this palace, hadn't I heard, you are getting your son
married to this tribe! "

And index finger pointed towards Avanthika, and she immediately fell into her
existential crisis, this time a bit too much. Now, she's being accused by Bijjaladeva
even? This is what she deserved?

" Bijjaladeva!!!!! "

The room almost shook with Devasena's command.

" One more word about Avanthika and you will be hanged immediately. Guards,
take him away from before my eyes lest I'll behead him! "

Bijjaladeva shivered while the guards took him away.

And Avanthika here shivered too.

Devasena walked towards her. She was stone firm. She looked into her eyes, "
Avanthika, I don't really know how much prepared you are to face everything. But I
believe my son chose you because you possess qualities enough. And I am waiting
for their display to me. Shiver less, and grow. Grow to Maharani Avanthika.
Remember, Mahendra resembles my husband. "

Rajmata Devasena left, and Avanthika could see a gap that was growing, a gap
which the world named ‘inferiority'.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Over years, Mahendra Baahubali had grown into the best king of Maahishmathi. The
fondness he carried was a matter of pride to Avanthika. But...
A but remained even after being the only Maharani, and the mother of the only
descendent now to the throne, Virendra.

A premature child, Virendra was born when Mahendra was not around, at the
warfronts, and Avanthika was too anxious about her safety and the safety of her
unborn child.

Though Bijjaladeva was almost seventy then and secluded from the palace by
Rajmata, Avanthika was always afraid that he would do anything to harm
Mahendra's child. And an anxious pregnant woman, gave birth to a weakling. Not a
Baahubali to the true meaning of it.

Avanthika's life grew a greater hell, though she couldn't deny that her entangled
mind created whatever hell she was in. Because Rajmata Devasena loved Virendra
like any grandma would do and not less. And Mahendra was a protective father.
And yet Avanthika tried protecting her child more and more, and in the long run
she almost began shunning away everything from herself and her child, even his
grandma.

Avanthika herself at times didn't know what her problem was with Devasena. She
was too good with her, and yet her certain words hurt her more than they should.

Like one day she summoned a six years old Virendra to the archery, and despite
Avanthika's denial, Virendra ran to Devasena who however always held a special
corner for his grandma. Avanthika ran along.

" Today our little Virendra will hold his bow for the first time. Do you know, your
grandpa began training from the age of four? "

Avanthika shouted out, " maa...he cannot hold...he's too weak for all these, he's
not Amarendra Baahubali for god's sake! "

Avanthika hated with each passing day, that her husband looked like Amarendra
Baahubali. And prayed vehemently of Virendra to not resemble them.

Devasena stared silently for some time, then said, " I understand your concern
Avanthika. But he's my grandson too. He may be physically weak, not mentally. His
arms will grow strong only when they work. How will he grow to rule Maahishmathi
sitting inside a closed room on his mother's lap? "
Avanthika's blood had boiled inside. She believed Rajmata deliberately wanted to
insult her, that she couldn't even produce a worthy descendent.

Virendra couldn't train properly too, because on one side was Rajmata's immense
desire to grow him, on the other was Avanthika's fear of his health, and Mahendra
was too busy ruling, with no Katappa too beside him who passed away two years
back then.

Though Avanthika knew, most of the decisions regarding Maahishmathi was taken
by Rajmata, and yes no decision ever backfired, but she felt, her position as
Maharani held no place in the state at all...

Mahendra loved her a lot, but didn't consider her suitable enough to consult on
legislation. And day by day Avanthika hated everything.

No one in the palace treated her bad, but she felt no one in the palace made her
feel at home even. She couldn't blame Mahendra because he was the best husband
she could get, but Rajmata Devasena owned him more than as a son, just because
he looked like her husband. Avanthika hated this and thus...hatred became a
dominant emotion of her life.

When Virendra turned ten, suddenly there appeared a competitor from nowhere.

The royal priest Vushan Bhavani's son, Raghav Bhavani. He was twelve then, and
was one of the most beloved to Rajmata Devasena. He regularly visited the palace,
with his father. While his father stayed at the temples, he had unbarred entrance
to even Devasena's room leave alone any other part of the palace.

Avanthika initially loved him too because he was a cute kid, but as days passed she
well understood, that he might be a priest's son, but he had abilities many didn't.
He spoke the sweetest, to everyone in the palace, he spent hours watching the
army train, and sometimes even took up the sword because everyone liked him,
specially Devasena. And it was well known, remaining in the good book of
Devasena was like god's blessings.

Avanthika grew increasingly insecure of everything day by day. Her weak son who
was still struggling to hold the sword like his father, the Rajmata who looked the
dearest and yet something else, and out of the blue, a priest's son who could hold
sword better than her own son and shared greater rapport with everyone more
than she or her son.
That day was Virendra's fifteenth birthday.

And the palace was being decorated for two occasions, a birthday and 'karwaa
chauth' the next day.

Avanthika was happy today, genuinely. Devasena had arranged for an enormous
offering to Krishna in the evening for the long life of her grandson. She had been
doing that every year, and these were the times Avanthika doubted if she was
really right in judging Devasena.

Virendra had by then turned better with his training, though what worried
Avanthika was Virendra's distaste for kingly affairs. He was rather much more
interested in songs and art.

The very morning Avanthika overheard a conversation of Devasena with Vushan.

" I have been observing Raghav for five years now. And he gives me chills. He
reminds me very strangely of someone else. The way he holds the sword, the way
he throws the arrows, the way he is comfortable with everyone around, I am
completely blown away. I don't love him only because he's intelligent and more
royal than any of us in his attitude, I love him because he has grown up to be
something different in my eyes. I know your family itself are zamindaars, and
maybe that much royalty he owned by birth... But is that all?

Anyways, please never stop his path to anything he wants to. Because one day, he
might rule. "

Avanthika had almost fainted. She knew this was coming. Rajmata Devasena only
acted as if she loved Virendra. The truth was that she hated Avanthika and
therefore would not let her son rule, even if that meant making anyone from the
road, a king.

Avanthika didn't tell anything to Mahendra, but shunned appearing at the offerings
in the evening, informing she was not doing well.

Rajmata Devasena visited her late in the evening after the worships were done.
Avanthika appeared cold. Devasena seemed to be trying to judge her.
But couldn't.

Finally, she said. " tomorrow is karwa chauth again. I know Mahendra hasn't been
able to be with you for the last few years because of troubles at the borders. But
this time...he'll make it the best for you. I promise. "

Avanthika tried to keep calm. But she felt a volcano developing inside her, ready
to erupt.

Devasena continued, " I spent only one karwa chauth with him. And that too, he
made special for me, so much that it was the only, and the best. I was eight
months expecting then, and we resided in a small hut down the town. He strictly
asked me to not starve, rather he starved, and in the evening when the... "

" I'm tired. " Avanthika interrupted. Devasena was startled.

" I'm tired of your Amarendra's story. Just tired. He's dead, and that's all. Why do
you keep reminding me that you didn't get the love of your husband? What would I
do? Sacrifice my love as well? Why do you keep reminding that your husband looked
like mine? What would I do? Give away mine to you? And please! I very well know
that you sent your son away in karwa chauth every year. Enough of your acting!
And now you are planning to snatch away my son's rightful throne to give away to a
roadchild, just because my son is weak? You know what? Now I can way more
sympathise with Bijjaladeva than anyone on earth. I hate you Rajmata Devasena! I
hate you! "

Avanthika left the room leaving behind a dumbstruck Devasena.

Avanthika had been waiting impatiently throughout the next day. She had confined
herself to her room once again, and while the entire palace was dressing up for the
Karwa Chauth function in the evening, she was feeling extremely restless.

Mahendra had been to her in the morning. He had kissed her on the forehead, and
promised to her that he would be back in the evening to break her fast. Avanthika
had just not wanted to let him go, but one thing she had realised, Rajmata hadn't
told Mahendra anything about their conversations last night. Otherwise Mahendra
wouldn't have left her in a piece.
The fact was, she was ashamed too of what she had told regarding Amarendra
Baahubali. She had no right to. She hadn't seen the great man once,and most
importantly the amount of respect her husband held for his father, she should have
just controlled her emotions. She couldn't. And therefore once again she escaped
everything by staying indoors.

Not only that, she had not let Virendra outside too, who after expressing
resentment in vain was now in the side wing of her room itself, painting.

Evening happened, and the maids informed her to be out for the breaking of fast
ritual.

Avanthika was a bit estranged though. Throughout the day not for once did
Devasena call for her. Whereas otherwise when she confined herself, she was being
called for every now and then. She realised that Devasena had taken her words to
heart. And she was more concerned now. Raajmata's anger might have graver
consequences. She slapped herself.

Avanthika moved out to the hall where everyone had gathered at the balcony, she
was welcomed thoroughly. Womenfolk of the palace stood in a line at the balcony
with their respective thalis and mesh facing the sky, whereas commoners gathered
below on the courtyard in the same manner. The menfolk had not yet arrived.

Avanthika watched everything and also Devasena, who stood at one place, but
lacked every glow on her beautiful face. Avanthika felt bad for a second, which
disappeared the next moment. She kept standing indifferently.

The moon appeared from behind the clouds and the ritual began at a particular
moment, despite the fact that Maharajah Mahendra had not yet arrived. Rajmata
ordered for the proceedings to go on, because rituals and offerings couldn't wait
for the king.

Avanthika felt an anger grow inside once again. Yet she kept standing while
watching men break their women's fast.

After sometime she thumped towards Devasena and wanted to talk to her in
private. Devasena immediately ordered maids to move away.

" Where have you sent my husband that he's not yet at the palace? "
Devasena stared silently at Avanthika for some time.

" I could have asked you to have something, but maybe you are already
disappointed with me. I didn't want to disappoint you more with my requests.
Maharajah hasn't particularly informed me where he's gone, but mostly he has an
important meeting with a 'saamanth' state. He'll be back soon. "

" And couldn't he just inform me that he'll be late? "

" If he hasn't informed you he's wrong. And if you haven't asked him where he's
going to before he left, you're wrong too. I had long back told you not to become
his liability, but mostly you have forgotten to be his wife too, considering he has
forgotten that as well. "

Leaving a boiling Avanthika behind, Devasena left the hall after instructing the
concerned to look after the good proceeding of the rituals.

****

Mahendra entered Avanthika's room at around midnight. He looked extremely tired

and unwell. He sat before a sobbing Avanthika, who was fasting till then. Virendra
stood silently, a distance apart.

Mahendra called a maid and took from her a plate of food. He sat beside
Avanthika, " You know how I wanted to be with you...but the meeting continued
for hours, and could I just stop listening to their problems? Do I have an option?
The long meeting left me so exhausted, I felt extremely sick after that... I just... I
just couldn't breathe. But then I knew you were starving, and I had to return... I
almost pulled up my heavy body on the horse, I was feeling so not well Avanthika,
believe me! "

Mahendra held her hand, but she shoved away, still sobbing.

" I came in only to know the ritual ended long back. I went to maa, thinking you
might be there, but you weren't. Seeing me, she at once knew I was unwell, and
she fed me a glass of juice. I felt better and ran to you Avanthika, please have
this... I... "
Avanthika's features stiffened. So Mahendra had once again visited his mother first,
even on the day of karwa chauth. She was starving...and...

Couldn't she take care of her husband? Rajmata, only Rajmata Devasena
could? Avanthika shut her eyes tight, while something fell beside her with a thud.
Avanthika opened her eyes horrified to find, Mahendra Baahubali lying on the
ground.

***

Maahishmathi drowned in utter darkness once again.

Mahendra Baahubali, the beloved king and the only descendent of the great and
tragic Amarendra Baahubali had expired only at the age of forty.

Cardiac arrest, was what the 'Rajvaidya' had declared, hesitantly. Because no other
cause of death was supposedly found, and yet Mahendra was healthy as a horse,
the very morning, and until his death.

Avanthika took to white, turned pale, and blamed herself for the fact that her
insecurities had thrown her into where she was.

Virendra turned leaner, confined himself to the side wing with his colors and
books.

And Rajmata Devasena? She had stopped speaking. She spent days and nights at
the prayer room of the temple, won't eat, won't drink, won't sleep. Her life was
indeed, a curse.

Maahishmathi was truly at stake, and the ministers were screwing their brains.

And just then one day, with almost no one to stop, Bijjaladeva, the eighty-five-
year-old who was still hatefully alive, walked into Avanthika's, alarming her. She
shouted for help but Bijjaladeva gestured her not to panic.

" Mahendra Baahubali, a healthy strong frightful king suddenly expires. Doesn't that
concern you? That too on the night when a husband comes the closest to his wife,
because his wife starves for him throughout the day. Virendra is weak. And there,
a priest's son has been endeared more and more over years. Do you know,
Maahishmathi can be ruled by a king who crosses seventeen at least? Your son is
fifteen only. But rightfully he should be the king, or he can wait for two years
while Rajmata Devasena rules. But seeing her condition, she will definitely pass on
the responsibility to someone else. But whom? That is the question. Do you know,
Raghav Bhavani looks like a reincarnation of Amarendra Baahubali to not only
Devasena, but many others who have seen both, including me? I am well informed
about everything in this palace. And lastly, do you know that some poisons look
like a heart attack, without a trace in the body later? "

Bijjaladeva had left that day, awakening an Avanthika, who was definitely,
dangerous to the true meaning of it.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

" So? "

Devasena was eight glasses down, and Amarendra just had to get up and snatch the
ninth one from her hand.

" So? What do you mean by that? You are my guest! And I cannot let you fall sick
now! "

Amarendra walked back to sit.

" Sick? When has someone fallen sick of alcohol? Alcohol drives out sickness rather!
“, Devasena uttered in a slurred nasal tone. She had by then messed up all the
cushions on the sofa. " Mental sickness."

Amarendra raised his brows and smirked, as if uttering a silent "really?"

" One second, who decorated this house so beautifully? It was locked for centuries
right? “, Devasena said, looking around, trying to pick up a glass once again.

Amarendra softly smacked her hand and she uttered a nag. And fell back on the
sofa.
" I did. Within a day. I've good contacts here. And I cannot live in a mess. "

Devasena laughed and lay down on the sofa, the drink was surely taking over her
now with every passing second.

The rain had stopped for the time being, and Amarendra got up to bring an
emergency light.

" Power cuts happen mostly when the rain ceases. So peculiar! “, he said walking
away.

And Devasena immediately grabbed the whole bottle and gulped away all at once.

Amarendra turned sensing it, and stood with hands on his waist.

" Such a hopeless you are! Who drinks this way for the first time? "

He came back to the table and shoved away all the articles, while Devasena
laughed like a lunatic.

" stop laughing! "

He said in a soft yet commanding tone and walked away.

Devasena got up and followed him, missing steps and balancing. Amarendra
brought down an emergency light from the top of a shelf while Devasena stood
behind holding onto the staircase railing. And giggled.

" What's so funny about everything now? I don't like disobedient people. "

Amarendra walked past her to the sofa and she followed again, giggling.
And she tripped over a stool, which turned Amarendra back in a split second,
making him let go the light from his hands and hold her instead, by her waist,
softly. The light fell and broke.

The eye lock lasted for another split second, and was followed by another frantic
feat of laughter by Devasena. Amarendra made her sit on the sofa, and nodded his
head hopelessly.

" Devasena! Behave!"

Devasena immediately stood up in attention, but fell back again. She then leaned
against the sofa and stared deeply at Amarendra, who stood before, watching her.

" I'm beautiful. And you're handsome. This is a beautiful night, and we are alone.
But, you are sober, and I gotta trust you. "

Devasena then cupped her face with her hands and made a weeping sound. " I don't
want to keep my trust in a single piece. "

Amarendra let go a long breath, smirked and settled before her again.

Devasena removed her hands from her eyes, and looked into him. " What songs do
you listen to? Ghazals? "

" What!?”, Amarendra asked, startled.

" Songs!!!! "

Devasena forced a clear pronunciation through her entangled tongue.

Amarendra smiled again. " Doesn't matter what I listen to. You can play your
wish."

Devasena giggled again and began searching for her phone in clumsy moves.
Amarendra picked it up from the ground and threw it to her. She forcefully opened
her eyes wide, and clicked on her playlist.
Seconds later, the hall began reverberating.

Amarendra smiled as he heard the music play, while Devasena got up clumsily.

" Do you know I'm a Chain-smoker too? "

Devasena had by then comfortably settled by his side. And he couldn't do anything
but look at her lovingly.

'Hey, I was doing just fine before I met you

I drink too much and that's an issue but I'm okay...'

Devasena winked at Amarendra while he nodded again, and looked away.

' Hey, you tell your friends it was nice to meet them

But I hope I never see them again...'

Devasena lay on Amarendra's lap, neither could he resist nor scold her, she kept
giggling and singing along.

' I know it breaks your heart

Moved to the city in a broke down car

And four years, no calls

Now you're looking pretty in a hotel bar

And I can't stop

No, I can't stop... '

Devasena got up, and looked intensely into Amarendra's eyes, who too couldn't
break the eye lock this time.

Her eyes had a plead, and Amarendra felt as if looking away would be the greatest
sin on earth. As if she silently screamed, " Didn't you just say you've loved only me?
"

' So baby pull me closer in the backseat of your Rover

That I know you can't afford

Bite that tattoo on your shoulder

Pull the sheets right off the corner

Of the mattress that you stole

From your roommate back in Boulder

We ain't ever getting older

We ain't ever getting older

We ain't ever getting older...'

Devasena knew she had lost control altogether long back, and she didn't mind too.
She had almost owned this man from the very first day and she didn't need a
permission, at least at this point of time. She slid her hands around his shoulder,
moved as close as she could hear him breathe.

And Amarendra choked.

' You look as good as the day I met you

I forget just why I left you, I was insane... '

Amarendra didn't really know when his hands had slid around her waist, her
enigmatic drunken eyes were so magnetic, that he couldn't just let go...

And yet he couldn't give in. She was officially her no one, at least now...

Devasena felt a turmoil rise through her chest, as she could see her man not giving
in when she just wanted him to open up and take her in.

' Stay and play that Blink-182 song

That we beat to death in Tuscon, okay

I know it breaks your heart

Moved to the city in a broke down car

And four years, no call

Now I'm looking pretty in a hotel bar

And I can't stop

No, I can't stop... '

The turmoil ran upto her eyes now, welling them up while she realised that
Amarendra had released his grip around her waist. She felt as if the sea was
receding back after a tide, and she couldn't wet her feet. Her eyes let go off the
river it contained.

" You don't love me anymore Amarendra? “, did she just utter that?

'So baby pull me closer in the backseat of your Rover

That I know you can't afford

Bite that tattoo on your shoulder

Pull the sheets right off the corner

Of the mattress that you stole

From your roommate back in Boulder

We ain't ever getting older

We ain't ever getting older

We ain't ever getting older...'

That broke away everything. Within a split second, Amarendra cupped her face in
his hands, and slowly, softly like a sea on fire, planted a deep kiss on her lips,
making her lose consciousness, bit by bit, into oblivion.

' So baby pull me closer in the backseat of your Rover

That I know you can't afford

Bite that tattoo on your shoulder

Pull the sheets right off the corner

Of the mattress that you stole

From your roommate back in Boulder

We ain't ever getting older

No we ain't ever getting older... '

The rain consumed Bhopal, once again.

It had been raining since afternoon. Big heavy rain, blurring Bhopal.

Devasena stood at an enormous door sized window, while Amarendra sat on a sofa,
making a drink. The clock struck nine.

Devasena looked at Amarendra. "I... should leave now. "

Amarendra stared back.

" I suppose it's raining enough. "

"I'll call a cab. "

They both kept staring at each other, and then Amarendra broke the eye lock and
poured his drink in a slick glass.

" As you wish. "

Devasena now looked outside again. Indeed, it was raining enough. And she didn't
wish to leave.

But... Amarendra hadn't told her once to stay for another night as well.

Last night, turned morning in a blink, but this night would be long. Long enough to
stay.

Had he once said...

But then again, they hadn't talked over this. And she herself wished to leave.

But...shouldn't he just force her to stay back?

It's true that she didn't remember, but even, do the family members of a dementia
patient throw them away? He was his family...his husband!!!

And the very next moment she was slammed back to reality. What was she thinking
even? He was not her husband now, for god's sake!!

" Devasena, come and sit here. That window invites a lot of rain. You'll catch cold.

Like a baby, Devasena followed his orders, and came and sat before him, looking
down.

" Can you cook? "

Devasena was startled at this unexpected question.

" ...yes...sort of... I mean whenever I cook, it tastes good. "

Both of them smiled.

" Whom did you learn from? "

" all by myself. At the boarding. Yes... A senior next room helped me a lot. "

"...and your... Maa? "

" she left me as a kid. Cancer. My father took to drinking. And sent me to the
boarding. I'm almost an orphan. But I visit my father at times. In Lucknow. Hardly."

Amarendra remained silent for a moment, as if letting the words sink in.

" so... You don't have a guardian...almost. "

" yeah...sort of. "

" a boyfriend? "

Devasena almost shook at this question, and then she herself felt extremely
embarrassed. Amarendra seemed so much of a man out of some novel since she
met him, that she almost forgot to believe that he, a handsome young human
could ask such general questions to her even.

She took some time to settle, and then replied slowly, " not actually... "

" so the school was not a unisex. "

" no...it was... “, she stammered.

Amarendra squeezed his brows, and a soft smile lit the corner of his lips.

" you are as beautiful as you used to be... So I believe, no one caught your
attention as such. "

Amarendra cuddled himself on the sofa, while the pitter patter of the rain
increased.

Devasena smiled again. " I don't know what I have been looking for... "

Amarendra took a sip of his drink, while Devasena completed her statement, " I
don't know what Devasenas look for. “, and looked away.

A long moment of silence made Devasena feel his eyes transfixed on her.

" Cook me dinner tonight. I'm bored of my hands. And you are not going anywhere.
I am trustworthy. "

"I know. “, Devasena was herself surprised at the spontaneity of her response. To
which Amarendra smiled much wider.

----
Dinner was good. Devasena herself was pleased that she could satisfy the taste
buds of Amarendra. Cooking was not her passion, but neither did she hate doing
that. The greater fact here was, to prove that she was able. In his eyes.

" How well did Devasena cook? "

Amarendra stared at her quietly after this abrupt question.

" I hardly got to know...”, and he trailed off, falling silent.

While Devasena drifted off too, to what she had witnessed during her afternoon
nap the very day.

" Amarendra... "

" You can call me Amar... "

Devasena smiled.

" Fine. And you can call me Deva. "

" Tell. "

" I... Was thinking... Should I visit some psychologist? Maybe they can help me get
my memory back... It's almost like a case of dementia you see... I... "

Amarendra turned to her, and as she went on speaking, she looked completely a
child to him. He finally couldn't contain his laughter.

" Don't be so desperate Devasena! Nothing is running away from you! Easy, woman!

" You... You were running away from me... "

Amarendra's laughter toned down, to bring back the composed look on his face.

" I can never run from you Devasena. I have never done that, till this age. "

---

Devasena took up a glass, while Amarendra stared.

" What if you fall down again like last time? "

" You will hold me, take me to the bed, and watch me sleep. "

Devasena smiled after gulping in some wine.

Amarendra nodded sideways, smiled and took his glass.

" A doctor, really? “, Devasena teased.

" Two pegs daily. Even a stroke patient is allowed this much. "

" And why do you drink? "

" Because there was a time I suffered alone. This really helps. "

" Suffered alone? Ditched by a bitch? "

" Even if someone ditches me, how does she become a bitch? "

" Because someone who ditches you, cannot be a human at least. “, Devasena
concentrated on another glass of wine because it felt good.
" Wild and a bad guess. I met the girl of my life five hundred years back, and I have
loved only her for I don't know how many lives now. And finally, falling in love is
the biggest loneliness. More even, than falling out of it... "

The glass remained in Devasena's hand and forgot to reach her lips.

*****

" And so you took three lives finally. "

Adway leaned back on his chair, staring calmly at Avanthika.

"I? Did I narrate the story in first person? “, Avanthika retorted, disturbed.

" your emotions did. "

Avanthika tried to judge Adway thoroughly.

Adway then sat straight again, scratching the table.

" I felt for Avanthika at places. But not how she ended lives. Homicide at any cost
isn't justified. “, he smiled.

" Oh really? And you are saying that Bhallaladeva? "

" If you weren't the Avanthika still, would you believe that I'm Bhallaladeva? "

Avanthika stiffened for a moment.

" I feel for Avanthika, but what I feel more is how foolish she was. Devasena had
absolutely no damn reason to kill Mahendra, and even if she did, Bhallaladeva
knows, any mother in world can murder their son in the worst need, but not
Devasena...
You know nothing Avanthika, absolutely nothing. "

Adway now leaned forward, bringing his face closer to Avanthika.

" The fire that burnt inside me subsided. But it glows inside you still, you admit it
or even realise it or not, but I do.

So, instead of hiding things from your friend, go to her, look into her eyes, and
make her remember what sleeps within her. Trust me, that'll do more good than
worse. "

A smile crossed Avanthika's face.

" And when are you visiting Amarendra Baahubali...ohh sorry, Amarendra
Bhawaani, to seek for redemption? "

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

" I don't believe this. I was supposed to be in my flight to Paris now. But look at
me. I just boarded an economy class back to Bhopal with a stranger beside me who
forces me to do something I had no plans to whatsoever, and I'm doing that even. "

Adway uttered in a single breath, untying his seatbelt after the take off.

Avanthika payed no much attention to his blabber, just threw a casual smile while
adjusting her tee.

It was five in the morning, and Avanthika had taken every initiative to book two
tickets back to Bhopal with the earliest flight possible.

Adway yawned big and adjusted his seat to a comfortable position.

" These seats. “, he frowned.

" Yeah... Kings. “, Avanthika taunted.

Adway stared at her, taking sometime to gather her intention.

" I tell you one thing. I am Adway Mathur, residing in the twenty first century. I am
unlucky that I have a bad burden of past to bear, but that doesn't mean for a
second that I connect to my past. I hate living in the past, be it yesterday, or a
five hundred years back. "

He shrugged and looked outside the window making it clear he was disturbed.

" So... Aren't you meeting Amarendra? "

Avanthika asked, her voice showed no perturbation.

" I am. Only to get rid of a burden. Forever. "

*****

Devasena sat at the stairs of a huge balcony, to the sides of the gardens. The rain
had stopped only in the morning, and the mud still smelled wet.

Devasena kept staring, blankly. Neither did she feel anything, nor was she sure if
she was thinking something.

She stirred with the sound of footsteps, and Amarendra came and sat beside her,
with two cups of coffee. He held out one to Devasena.

She followed his hand to his face, which looked worked up. She didn't take the
coffee, rather examined him. He smiled.

" You couldn't sleep. Because of me. “, Devasena uttered, coldly.

Devasena got up in the morning to find herself on Amarendra's lap, and both of
them on the sofa, Amarendra seemed to have recently dozed off while sitting,
while she didn't know how long she had occupied his lap.
Her head didn't feel heavy much, and she got down, Amarendra shoved but didn't
wake up. She found her way out to the balcony and had been sitting there since.

" Not at all. I slept much. Coffee? "

Amarendra offered again.

Devasena looked away. She felt so numb.

Without a tinge of emotion in her voice, she uttered, " What do you have for me
Amarendra? Sympathy? "

Amarendra's expressions showed confusion.

" I think I'm not getting you. “, he uttered after a long pause.

Devasena made a sarcastic noise, and smirked.

" Did you just believe that a guardian less girl is falling at your feet asking for your
grace?"

Devasena could feel her cheeks redden up. She desperately wished to control the
pressure building up inside her eyes.

Amarendra stared silently. Calm.

" Easy, Devasena. Calm down. "

" I wish. “, Devasena didn't let a single drop out of her eyes.

" You know what Amarendra? I have fallen from heights. But never in my eyes. I did
exactly that. Last night. I failed myself. "
Devasena knew she was shivering from within, and she ran fingers through her hair
trying to keep herself together.

Amarendra slowly placed a hand on her shoulder. And the very move, threw her
metres apart from him, startling him completely.

" I am no one you can touch. “, Devasena glared, as if trying to pacify her
devastated soul.

" Rebirth! Last life! My foot!!! "

Amarendra could see Devasena wriggle in pain unexplainable.

And then she wailed... " I lost the only thing I perhaps could hold dear for so
long... Self-respect!!! "

Devasena banged the floor with her fist, hurting herself as much as she could.

And Amarendra couldn't just move.

Devasena suddenly got up and stood right before him. Her nose was now cherry
red, her beautiful face all messed up.

" you are a man I had never seen in my life. You are my... No... One.

Yet I get drunk... And... And force you to kiss me...

Jesus!!!

Crap!!! "

Devasena broke down beside him, and Amarendra sat still, as a spectator to a
breathtaking emotional turmoil of a woman.
The woman.

" Sympathy... Sympathy right? You are sympathising with me. "

Devasena was now blabbering like an out of mind. Suddenly she got up and held
Amarendra by his collar, " Why did you kiss me? You knew I was out of my mind.
You knew I am not the Devasena you want!!! Then why? Why??? "

She began shouting frantically and shaking him at the same time, while Amarendra
closed his eyes, waiting for things to pass sooner.

Tired once, she stood, supporting her helpless body on the railing of the stairs,
crying like a baby.

And Amarendra yet took another sometime, to finally talk.

" I kissed you, because you are beautiful, I'm handsome, and it was a beautiful
night. So... If someone has to really fall in your eyes, that be me. Not you.

Remember, no one can force me to kiss. I have royalty flowing in my veins.

So do you. "

" Ohh stop with this bullshit. I hate everything about this now! You be a king,
congratulations. But I'm a simple ordinary woman. And I was happy with my life
okay? I was sane, independent, relaxed. I ran after nothing. No one. I had peace of
mind, do you get that? "

Devasena bent over Amarendra again, making a desperate eye contact with him.
Amarendra too was calm no more.

" I don't want to remember my past anymore. I don't want to walk reverse to
myself, I don't wish to check out a man who looks for someone else in me, I don't
want to fall weak for someone who can only sympathise with my incapability. Go
back to your country. Nothing remains for you here. Don't make me dangle
between my heart and brain, my desires and liabilities. Don't make me fall weak,
because you think I am. I ain't. Go. Get lost from my life damn you! "
Devasena stepped back and walked out of the balcony, down the hall, out of the
door...without looking back a single time.

While a lone tear escaped Amarendra's eye. And he couldn't stop her. Once again.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++